Rural Water

The Meghalaya government in February 2024 hosted its first International Water Conclave 2024 in Shillong. The gathering involved the engagement of diverse experts, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders, exchanging insights and ideas pertaining to water management. The conference, emphasising knowledge sharing and learning, is slated to become an annual event.

Water management is a critical global issue that intersects with gender dynamics, equity, and inclusiveness. This article explores the evolution of water policies in India, highlighting the increasing recognition of the importance of safeguarding gender, equity, and inclusiveness.

In the heart of rural India, fight for access to clean water and adequate sanitation frequently determines daily routines. These basic necessities have always been the responsibility of women, who walk great distances to obtain water and manage home cleanliness on limited funds. But today, their role is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

S M Sehgal Foundation, in collaboration with DCB Bank and NIRDPR (National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj) as the knowledge partner, held the fourth and final workshop of ‘Jalagam’, the Capacity Building and Experience Sharing series in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, on March 14, 2024.

This case study explores the transformative journey of Janki Devi, a resident of Sangnyadi village, located 20 kilometers away from Almora city in India. Janki Devi's life was marked by struggles arising from water scarcity, affecting her family's livelihood and overall well-being.

India, with just 4% of the world's freshwater for 18% of the global population, grapples with a worsening crisis exacerbated by climate change and erratic monsoons, impacting urban and rural areas alike.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), which has been entrusted with the pivotal role of overseeing the development and management of India's water resources, serves as the bedrock for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, through flagship initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

NGT forms committee to address polluted water discharge in Ganga River at Prayagraj

Water management is pivotal for addressing a myriad of development challenges, from poverty and food security to gender equity, impacting health, education, and livelihoods. In India, a country on the brink of water stress, effective water management is crucial, particularly in its rural areas where over 50% of households lack tap connections.

A recent paper ‘Changing Role of the State in Rural Drinking Water Governance in India’ by NC Narayanan et al examines the major interventions in post-independent India’s rural drinking water sector—in the context of the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission—to assess the progress made in the provision of the service as well