Secretary of Water Resources Evaluates Sustainable Strategies with State Officials
Synopsis
On March 26, V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, led a pivotal conference in Telangana, emphasizing collaborative strategies for sustainable water resource management across multiple states.
Key Takeaways
Focus on Sustainable Development: Emphasis on developing comprehensive strategies for sustainable water resource management.
Collaboration Across States: Participation of multiple states highlighted the importance of inter-state cooperation.
Commitment to Timely Project Completion: Importance of reducing delays in project execution was stressed.
Addressing Key Issues: Discussions included flood forecasting, sediment management, and salinity in coastal areas.
Public Participation Encouraged: Emphasis on involving the community in water conservation efforts.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) The focus on sustainable water resource development intensified as V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, presided over a Regional Conference for State Water Secretaries in Telangana, according to an official report released on Thursday.
During the conference, which took place at the Dr MCR HRD Institute of Telangana, Rao, who leads the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, reaffirmed the department's dedication to offering extensive support for the planning, development, and management of water projects nationwide.
Senior officials from the Water Resources Departments of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands convened at this event to discuss a broad spectrum of issues related to the water sector.
Officials from DoWR, RD&GR in New Delhi, along with 15 leaders of major departmental organizations, also participated in this comprehensive conference.
The conference aimed to assess the implementation of ongoing initiatives by the department in the involved states/UTs, examine the work accomplished by the department’s organizations in these regions, understand the concerns of the states/UTs regarding active projects, and engage in in-depth discussions to reinforce the coordination and partnerships between the Centre and states.
The Secretary emphasized the importance of this meeting in formulating and executing integrated strategies for the sustainable and effective development of water resources within the region.
He reiterated the department’s commitment to providing all-encompassing support for the planning, development, and management of water resources projects across the nation.
State officials provided updates on the status of scheme implementation, their expectations from the Government of India, and the challenges faced in their respective states/UTs regarding water resource management.
The Secretary highlighted the necessity for timely completion of ongoing projects and stressed the importance of enhancing Centre-state coordination to ensure the prompt progress of priority initiatives.
He urged the States/UTs to engage in the revision and reform of DoWR, RD & GR schemes for the upcoming Finance Commission cycle.
In addition to discussing ongoing initiatives, the conference addressed flood forecasting activities and the adoption of advisories from DoWR, RD & GR regarding sediment management, salinity ingress in coastal regions, and the implementation of the Dam Safety Act, as well as public participation in water conservation efforts.
Participating states/UTs were encouraged to prioritize the implementation of these critical advisories.
Point of View
Showcasing a unified approach among various states to address pressing water resource challenges. The dedication shown by the Department of Water Resources in facilitating dialogue and collaboration is commendable and essential for effective governance.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main focus of the Regional State Water Secretaries Conference?
The conference primarily focused on strategies for sustainable development of water resources and enhancing collaboration among states.
Who chaired the conference on sustainable water management?
The conference was chaired by V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources.
Which states participated in the conference?
States that participated included Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
What were the key objectives of the conference?
Key objectives included reviewing ongoing schemes, addressing state concerns, and strengthening Centre-state coordination.
Why is the conference significant?
It is significant as it promotes integrated strategies for sustainable water resource development and effective management.
