New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) The Jal Shakti Minister, C.R. Paatil, presided over the World Water Day Conclave 2026 on Sunday, engaging in vital discussions surrounding innovation and teamwork aimed at achieving sustainable water management and responsible industrial practices.

The conclave, themed “Industry for Water,” aimed to establish industry as a pivotal force in promoting water-use efficiency, alongside recycling, reuse, and cutting-edge innovations.

This gathering united policymakers, industry executives, scholars, startups, MSMEs, and aspiring innovators to collaboratively develop scalable, technology-based solutions.

With an attendance of 700 delegates, the conclave underscored a significant transition where industries evolve from mere water consumers to proactive water stewards, embracing intelligent and sustainable practices.

Paatil shared on X that, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Jal Mahotsav, which occurred from March 8 to March 22 this year, has transformed into a comprehensive national initiative.

“Efforts like water conservation, community engagement, and Jal Arpan from the Gram Panchayat level to the grassroots level have morphed it into a potent people’s movement,” stated Paatil on X.

He emphasized that the operational guidelines of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, launched during the conclave, will guide necessary reforms within the rural drinking water sector.

The mission’s core aims include consistent and reliable water services, accountability, and enduring sustainability. Initiatives such as a service-oriented approach, water service evaluations, digital mapping, and the ‘Sujal Gram ID’ will significantly empower Gram Panchayats and local communities, he noted.

The Jal Shakti Minister remarked that the reform-linked MoUs signed with nine states during the Jal Mahotsav 2026 symbolize the growing spirit of cooperative federalism between the Centre and states to enhance water management.

“Today’s ‘Sujal Gram Samvad’ demonstrates that the Jal Jeevan Mission transcends being a mere scheme; it has become a nationwide commitment driven by public engagement—where every citizen, by participating in and safeguarding water conservation, is playing an integral role in securing the nation’s water future,” he added.

A significant aspect of the event was the recognition of Jal Shakti Hackathon winners, celebrating innovative and impactful contributions to the water sector.

State governments contributed, especially during the Census-focused session, which included the acknowledgment of the completion and publication of key national water census reports, highlighting the necessity of data-driven governance in water management.

The inaugural session also featured the unveiling of the 7th Minor Irrigation Census; the 2nd Census of Water Bodies; the 1st Census of Springs; the 1st Census of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects; the National Water Data Policy; and various technical and thematic publications, as reported.