International WASH Conference 2024 Highlights India’s Water Leadership

Why in the news?

The International WASH Conference 2024, held alongside India Water Week, highlighted India’s leadership in rural water management and emphasised global partnerships, community solutions, and technology for future water challenges.

Key Highlights of the conference:

  • The International WASH Conference 2024 took place from 17th-19th September alongside the 8th India Water Week in New Delhi.
  • Organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the conference focused on rural water supply and SDG 6.
  • Over 40 sessions and 180 expert presentations covered topics like water quality, greywater management, and community-led water solutions.

Major Sessions and Discussions

  • Day 1: Focused on water disinfection technologies and community engagement for sustained water supply.
  • Day 2: Emphasised digital infrastructure, with SCADA and IoT transforming water management.
  • Day 3: Featured discussions on rural water access, urban-rural governance collaboration, and community participation.
  • A session on Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) underlined the need to build public trust in tap water.

Key Outcomes

  • The conference emphasised India’s leadership in rural water initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.
  • Swachh Sujal Gaon, a model village, showcased rural WASH initiatives.
  • The event stressed the importance of global partnerships, innovative technology, and community-led efforts in tackling future water challenges.

About India Water Week:

  • Started in 2012, India Water Week promotes sustainable water resource use.
  • Held annually, it addresses water conservation, pollution prevention, and innovative solutions.
  • Brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss water challenges.
  • India relies on key rivers like Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna for agriculture and culture.
  • Around 600 million people in India face serious water shortages.
  • 60% of irrigation depends on groundwater.
  • National Water Policy and the River Linking Project aim to improve water efficiency and regional balance.