In a resounding call to action, Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil declared that industries should transition into water guardians during the World Water Day Conference 2026 in New Delhi. Hosting the event on Sunday, Patil engaged in discussions on sustainable practices and industrial innovations for water efficiency.
Centered on ‘Industries for Water,’ the summit brought together diverse stakeholders—policymakers, entrepreneurs, scholars, startups, MSMEs, and innovators—to craft practical, technology-enabled strategies for water recycling and reuse at scale.
With 700 attendees, the conference drove home the message of industrial responsibility. Patil took to X to praise PM Modi’s leadership, crediting it for elevating Jal Mahotsav into a massive public campaign from March 8-22.
Grassroots efforts in water conservation and community involvement have turned it into a powerful movement. The newly unveiled operational guidelines for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 target rural water infrastructure upgrades, prioritizing consistent services, transparency, and enduring viability.
Innovations like digital tools and ‘Sujal Gram ID’ will empower local bodies. MoUs signed with nine states signal deepening center-state collaboration on water reforms.
Patil emphasized the ‘Sujal Gram Samvad’ as proof of Jal Jeevan Mission’s evolution into a participatory national commitment. The event celebrated hackathon victors for groundbreaking water solutions and unveiled critical reports: censuses on irrigation, water bodies, springs, and projects, plus the National Water Data Policy.
This comprehensive push underscores data’s role in shaping robust water policies, fostering a collaborative path to sustainability.