New Delhi, Sep 22 (PTI) Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil on Tuesday said that recent events in the Himalayan region and the 2023 Sikkim disaster underline the changing risks posed by climate change and the need for stronger water monitoring, timely early-warning systems and better preparedness.
Addressing the inaugural session of the ninth India International Water Week (IIWW) at Bharat Mandapam here, Patil said the theme of this year’s event — Climate Resilient Water Management — is more relevant than ever as climate change is rapidly altering the water cycle.
“In some places there is too much rainfall, in others too little, and at times rainfall does not occur when it is most needed. Recent events in the Himalayan region and the 2023 Sikkim disaster remind us that risks are also changing with the changing climate,” Patil said.
“We need better science, stronger monitoring, timely early warning and better preparedness. Most importantly, we need to learn from each other’s experiences and work together,” he added.
His remarks come weeks after a catastrophic glacier-related flash flood along the Nepal-China border triggered devastating floods in the Himalayan region in August.
The death toll from last month’s devastating flash floods in Nepal crossed 1,450 on Sunday, as the Himalayan nation continues to reel from the aftereffects of the disaster. Originating near the Nepal-Tibet border, the floods devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal.
The Bhotekoshi River, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, carried the floodwaters downstream, sweeping away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.
The floods also killed 43 people on the Chinese side, where more than 500 remain missing, according to Chinese media.
A flash flood had devastated Sikkim on October 4, 2023, after a massive landslide triggered a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at the South Lhonak Lake. The sudden wall of water rushed down the Teesta River valley, completely destroying the 1,200-MW Teesta III Dam at Chungthang and washing away 14 bridges and sections of National Highway 10.
The disaster killed over 70 people, including several army personnel, and displaced thousands.
Patil said water is a shared resource and, therefore, water security is also a shared responsibility.
“Water does not remain confined within boundaries. Rivers flow from one region to another, groundwater connects several communities, and excess or shortage of rainfall can cause floods or droughts in distant regions,” he said.
“Therefore, water management needs to be viewed through a holistic approach,” he said.
Patil said India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has consistently emphasised linking water management with Jan Bhagidari and turning it into a people’s movement.
“For India, water security is a strong foundation for Viksit Bharat in 2047. Water is connected with our agriculture, food, health, industry, energy and environment,” he said.
Highlighting the Jal Jeevan Mission, Patil said around 3.24 crore rural households had tap-water access in 2019 and the number had now reached close to 16 crore. “But now our goal is not merely to provide tap connections.
“The real goal is to ensure that people receive regular, safe and adequate water,” he said.
Patil also highlighted the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari-Catch the Rain initiative, saying more than 1.5 crore water conservation and groundwater recharge structures had been created as of May 31, 2026.
On the Namami Gange programme, Patil said making a river clean and living requires sewage management, pollution control, biodiversity, local communities and the entire river basin to be brought together.
“Water-related problems are interconnected and, therefore, their solutions should also be holistic,” he said.
“Technology would enhance the country’s capabilities in the coming years, with real-time data, satellite information, improved forecasting and artificial intelligence helping in better decision-making on floods, groundwater, reservoirs and irrigation, Patil added.
“But technology by itself is not the solution. Science has to be connected with society and technology with local needs. People’s participation should be at the centre of the success of any scheme,” he further said.
Patil said the discussions at IIWW should result in solutions, technologies and partnerships that could be adopted on a large scale and whose benefits reached people directly.
“India is ready to share its experiences and also learn from the experiences of the world,” he said.
The five-day IIWW, themed “Climate Resilient Water Management”, is being held from September 22 to 26 at Bharat Mandapam. The second International WASH Conference is also being held alongside it from September 22 to 24. PTI ADI ADI NB
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(PTI News)
