By Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS | New Delhi | May 31, 2026
In a significant move aimed at strengthening India's water research ecosystem and advancing innovation-driven solutions for sustainable water management, the Ministry of Jal Shakti will convene the National Workshop on Research and Development (R&D) in Water on June 1, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
The high-level gathering is expected to bring together policymakers, scientists, researchers, industry leaders, startups, academic institutions, and community stakeholders to develop a coordinated strategy for addressing India's growing water challenges through research, technology, and innovation.
The workshop will be jointly inaugurated by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary. Senior officials from key scientific and government institutions, including the Department of Space, ISRO, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, and the National Water Mission, will also participate.
The workshop marks one of the most comprehensive efforts in recent years to create stronger convergence between government agencies, scientific institutions, academia, startups, technical organizations, and industry partners.
Officials believe that future water security will depend not only on infrastructure investments but also on sustained scientific research, technology adoption, climate resilience strategies, and community participation.
As India faces increasing challenges related to groundwater depletion, climate variability, urbanization, water pollution, and rising demand for water resources, policymakers are seeking innovative approaches to ensure long-term sustainability.
One of the most significant announcements expected during the workshop is the launch of MAHA on Water (Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas for Water).
The initiative, jointly developed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), aims to promote advanced scientific research in critical areas including:
An open call for research proposals will be issued under the program, providing researchers and institutions with opportunities to contribute solutions to some of India's most pressing water challenges.
According to officials, the initiative is expected to create a stronger bridge between scientific research and practical policy implementation.
Recognizing the growing role of innovation and entrepreneurship in solving water-related challenges, the Ministry will also launch a dedicated open call for startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the BHARAT-WIN Portal.
The initiative will support:
The move is expected to encourage greater participation by India's startup ecosystem in developing scalable solutions for water conservation, treatment, monitoring, and management.
The workshop will also witness the launch of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB:CTR), a digital platform designed to encourage community-driven water conservation efforts.
The platform will enable citizens, local bodies, educational institutions, and organizations to document and showcase initiatives related to:
The initiative aligns with the government's vision of combining a "Whole of Government" and "Whole of Society" approach to water security.
Officials believe that long-term water resilience cannot be achieved through government intervention alone and will require active participation from communities across the country.
Another major development expected during the event is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The agreement is aimed at expanding the use of satellite-based technologies and advanced geospatial applications for water resource management.
The partnership will focus on 24 identified priority areas, including:
Experts believe satellite-based monitoring will play an increasingly important role in improving decision-making and resource management across India's vast and diverse water systems.
The workshop will host multiple technical sessions covering a wide range of critical issues affecting India's water sector.
Key themes include:
Researchers and principal investigators will also present successful case studies, lessons learned, and measurable outcomes from water-sector research projects implemented across the country.
A significant component of the deliberations will focus on evaluating the impact of water-sector research conducted over the past twelve years.
Participants are expected to assess:
The discussions will also help identify strategic priorities for the upcoming 16th Finance Commission cycle, ensuring that future investments in water research are aligned with national development objectives.
Alongside the workshop, an exhibition will feature innovative technologies, research achievements, and best practices from across the water sector.
The exhibition will provide a platform for:
to demonstrate cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving water conservation, monitoring, efficiency, and sustainability.
Water experts view the National Workshop on R&D in Water as an important milestone in India's efforts to build a science-driven and innovation-led water management framework.
With growing concerns over climate change, water scarcity, groundwater depletion, and increasing demand from agriculture, industry, and urban populations, the workshop is expected to provide strategic direction for future policymaking and investment.
By bringing together government agencies, scientific institutions, industry leaders, startups, and citizens, the initiative seeks to strengthen India's long-term water security while promoting sustainable and technology-enabled management of one of the nation's most critical natural resources.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India