Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen water data governance and improve the collection, analysis and utilisation of water-sector data, as he chaired the valedictory session of the two-day National Departmental Summit on Water organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Emphasising the need for robust and integrated water data management, the Prime Minister suggested bringing water-sector data together and systematically managing, analysing and utilising it. He recommended using AI for data collection and analysis through a uniform format to support more effective water management and governance, stated a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The Summit was the first in a series of Departmental Summits envisioned by PM Modi to strengthen the spirit of Team India, deepen cooperative federalism and foster collective ownership of national priorities through closer collaboration between the Centre and the States. It brought together Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories for focused deliberations on various dimensions of India’s water security.
Appreciating the intensive two-day deliberations, the Prime Minister emphasised that the actionable and time-bound action points emerging from the Summit should be pursued through a continuous process of review and learning. He stressed that the Summit should not remain a one-time exercise and called for regular review and follow-up.
The Prime Minister called for sensitising Urban Local Bodies to challenges arising from urbanisation, including population growth and future water requirements, and suggested organising similar Chintan Shivirs for Urban Local Bodies.
He also called for greater adoption of water-saving technologies and suggested dedicated exhibitions and workshops, including exposure to global best practices, to enable Indian manufacturers and stakeholders to develop and scale efficient solutions.
Emphasising Jan Bhagidari, the Prime Minister suggested promoting “Jal Utsav” to create greater public awareness. He called for making de-silting a regular programme, supported by clear criteria and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
On dam safety, he stressed the need for rigorous preparedness before every monsoon, adherence to prescribed precautions and greater awareness among school students, including through suitable incorporation in educational curricula.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi further called for strengthening knowledge and capacity on water management and governance in universities and higher educational institutions. He suggested structured inter-State study visits involving public representatives, officials and farmers to facilitate practical learning and replication of successful interventions.
He also stressed the need for anticipatory and integrated planning to address water scarcity, including the suitable utilisation of treated water for agricultural and industrial purposes.
Drawing on his experience as Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Prime Minister noted that instances of water scarcity could be transformed into opportunities through systematic planning, commitment, adequate resources and capable officers.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil highlighted four key outcomes of the Summit: accelerated completion of water infrastructure projects; strengthening water conservation as a sustained people’s movement; ensuring the long-term sustainability of drinking-water sources; and institutionalising effective operation and maintenance of rural drinking-water schemes.
-with PIB inputs
