Centre Launches Major Water Innovation Initiatives to Boost Water Security

• National workshop brings together over 500 stakeholders from water sector
• MAHA on Water mission and Bharat-WIN Startup Call launched
• Ministry of Jal Shakti signs MoU with ISRO for data-driven water governance
• New Catch the Rain portal unveiled to strengthen community-led water conservation

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd June: The Centre on Monday unveiled a series of major initiatives aimed at strengthening water security, climate resilience and research-driven innovation, including the launch of the MAHA on Water mission, a startup support programme under Bharat-WIN, and a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and ISRO.

The announcements were made during the National Workshop on Research and Development in Water, which brought together more than 500 stakeholders from government, academia, research institutions, industry, MSMEs and startups to deliberate on India’s future water security roadmap.

Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil stressed that water remains central to India’s civilisation and development and called for a three-pronged approach based on scientific research, technological innovation and public participation to tackle emerging water challenges.

Patil highlighted that over 315 research and development projects have been undertaken in the water sector, including 113 directly supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He also pointed to the success of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign, under which more than 1.5 crore water conservation structures have reportedly been created across the country.

During the event, the government launched the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB) Portal, a nationwide platform designed to strengthen community-led water conservation through citizen participation, reporting of conservation works and sharing of best practices.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the launch of MAHA on Water (Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas for Water), describing it as a major step towards fostering innovation in water resource management, climate resilience and drinking water security.

He also welcomed the collaboration between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and ISRO and highlighted the role of advanced technologies, including satellite-based applications, in addressing water-related challenges.

A key outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and ISRO to leverage space technology, remote sensing, satellite observations and geospatial intelligence for water resource planning, monitoring and decision-making.

ISRO Chairman and Department of Space Secretary Dr. V. Narayanan said the integration of satellite-based observations with field-level data would strengthen evidence-based water governance and improve resource management.

The workshop also witnessed the launch of an Open Call for Startups and MSMEs under the Bharat Water Innovation Network (Bharat-WIN), aimed at supporting innovative products and technologies related to water conservation, water-use efficiency, source sustainability, water quality management and climate-resilient systems.

Experts participating in the event discussed a wide range of issues, including groundwater sustainability, climate adaptation, irrigation efficiency, flood and drought management, urban water security, river health, artificial intelligence and geospatial technologies for water governance.

Officials said the recommendations emerging from the workshop would guide future investments in water research and innovation, accelerate technology adoption and strengthen India’s efforts to achieve water security and climate resilience in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.