Overview
The Ministry of Jal Shakti is set to host the “Vision for Sujalam Bharat” Summit 2025 on 28–29 November 2025 in New Delhi. This summit aims to establish a comprehensive roadmap for achieving a water-secure and climate-resilient India. The event will be inaugurated by Union Minister C.R. Paatil.
Key Objectives and Vision
The “Vision for Sujalam Bharat” Summit 2025 is conceived in line with the vision articulated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his address at the Fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries. The summit is part of a series of six thematic summits designed to bring together officers from both the Central and State governments, including junior cadres. The primary goal is to promote evidence-based policy making, sectoral reforms, and cooperative federalism in the water sector.
NITI Aayog's Role
As part of NITI Aayog’s series of six thematic Departmental Summits, the Ministry of Jal Shakti leads the national water sector theme. This encompasses critical areas such as source sustainability, drinking water security, sanitation, groundwater management, irrigation efficiency, and integrated rural–urban water management.
Thematic Consultations
In preparation for the Vision for Sujalam Bharat, the Ministry of Jal Shakti organized extensive consultations across six core thematic areas between September and October 2025:
- Rejuvenation of Rivers and Springs: Ensuring Aviral (continuous) and Nirmal (clean) Dhara, spring-shed management, catchment protection, wetland restoration, riverfront development, and community-led river stewardship.
- Greywater Management and Reuse: Promotion of circular water use through financing models, pricing frameworks, nature-based solutions, septage management, and reuse in domestic, industrial, and urban sectors.
- Technology for Efficient Water Management: Adoption of digital tools, AI-driven water monitoring, micro-irrigation, loss reduction, leak detection, and precision agriculture for demand-side water management.
- Water Conservation and Recharge: Community-led groundwater governance, managed aquifer recharge, revival of traditional systems, and LiFE-aligned behavioral interventions.
- Sustainability of Drinking Water Supply: Ensuring adequate and safe drinking water through source sustainability planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, community-based O&M, and digital governance tools.
- Community & Institutional Engagement for Behaviour Change: Strengthening community institutions, frontline workers, and inter-departmental convergence to ensure long-term sustainability of water assets.
Workshop Details
Each thematic area was addressed through dedicated workshops:
- Rejuvenation of Rivers and Springs: Held on 30 September 2025, with 592 officials from 26 States.
- Greywater Management and Reuse: Conducted on 22 September 2025, engaging 532 participants.
- Technology for Efficient Water Management: Held on 24 September 2025, with around 500 representatives.
- Water Conservation and Recharge: Organized on 7 October 2025, with 250+ participants.
- Sustainability of Drinking Water Supply: Conducted on 26 September 2025, with over 800 delegates.
- Community & Institutional Engagement: Held on 1 October 2025, with 155+ representatives.
Key Priorities and Recommendations
Across the six thematic workshops, more than 2,800 participants shared insights, challenges, best practices, and actionable recommendations. The Ministry has consolidated these contributions into a comprehensive report, charting pathways to accelerate water sustainability in India. The nationwide consultative process has crystallized five key priorities:
- Strengthening source sustainability
- Scaling groundwater recharge
- Enhancing the adoption of modern and nature-based solutions
- Revitalizing community institutions
- Fostering greater inter-departmental convergence
Summit Participation and Focus
The two-day Summit will bring together representatives from Central Ministries, States and Union Territories, technical experts, Panchayat members, NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), community organizations, and recipients of the National Water Awards and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards. Discussions will focus on the recommendations from the thematic workshops.
Significance of the Summit
The Vision for “Sujalam Bharat” Summit, 2025, marks a significant convergence of India’s highest policymaking authorities and grassroots changemakers. This includes Central and State Secretaries, senior officials, and frontline grassroots workers. The aim is to foster an open, result-oriented dialogue, sharper alignment between strategy and execution, and practical recommendations that will transform governance in the water and sanitation sector.
Exam Relevance
This summit is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, particularly for GS Paper II (Government Policies & Interventions) and GS Paper III (Environment, Infrastructure). The focus on sustainable water management, community engagement, and technological solutions aligns with key areas of the syllabus. Understanding the objectives and outcomes of this summit can provide valuable insights for answering questions related to water resource management, environmental conservation, and rural development.