All India Water Resource Department Secretaries’ Conference to be held in New Delhi

Why in news

The Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, will convene the All-India Conference of Senior Most Secretaries of Water Resources Departments of States and Union Territories.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Economy, Environment & Ecology · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The conference is convened by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
2. It will be chaired by Shri C R Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti.
3. Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary (DoWR, RD&GR), will co-chair the conference.
4. Participants include Senior Most Secretaries of Water Resources Departments of States and Union Territories, senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and its organizations like Central Water Commission (CWC), National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), and National Water Mission (NWM).
5. The conference aims to strengthen Centre-State coordination on priority initiatives in the Water Resources Sector and review the progress of major national programmes of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
6. Discussions will cover agenda items such as the Status of the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Scheme and the Special One-Month Nationwide #CatchTheRain Campaign.

Prelims pointers

• Nodal Ministry for the conference: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Key organizations mentioned: Central Water Commission (CWC), National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), National Water Mission (NWM).
• Scheme mentioned in agenda: Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Scheme.
• Campaign mentioned in agenda: #CatchTheRain Campaign.

Mains practice question

Critically analyze the importance of Centre-State coordination in achieving sustainable water resource management in India, with reference to national programs and initiatives.

Static linkage

The conference highlights the federal structure of water governance in India, where water is primarily a state subject, necessitating strong Centre-State coordination for effective resource management. It links to the broader challenges of water scarcity, inter-state water disputes, and the implementation of national water policies and programs.

Significance

The conference is significant for fostering cooperative federalism in the critical water resources sector. It provides a platform for reviewing the implementation of national water programs, addressing challenges, and ensuring coordinated efforts between the Union and State governments. This coordination is crucial for sustainable water management, efficient irrigation, flood control, and ensuring water security across the nation.