In the session on the theme of Integrated Water Resource Management during the 2nd Meeting of Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group on 27th March, 2023, 19 G20 member countries, 09 Invitee countries and 13 International Organisations participated at Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Special Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti in her opening Address welcomed the delegates from G20 members, invitee countries, and international organizations to the side event on the theme of Integrated Water Resource Management. Ms Mukherjee highlighted the fact that management of water resources in a holistic manner is pre-requisite for the development of a nation and consequently water secured world. She emphasized the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of water resources. She also pointed out that G20 India Presidency appreciates the valuable work, successful programmes, and innovations in the field of water resources by G20 members and India is committed to strengthen this cooperation in water resources development and management through sharing of the technical experiences, best practices, usage of state-of-the-art tools and technology and case studies of successful interventions in water sector for mutual benefits.
Thereafter, she invited G20 members & other participants to share their best practices in alphabetical order. The presentations were made by Indonesia, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, China, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UK, USA, Denmark, Singapore, Spain, Oman and Netherlands as well as by International Organisations like Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Solar Alliance (ISA), United Nations Development Progam (UNDP) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) showcasing their Best Practices on Water Resources Management. The following were the major themes of their presentations:
- Integrated & Sustainable Use of Water Resources /Ecosystem Management
- Waterbody Restoration / River Rejuvenation
- Rainwater Management
- Groundwater Management
- Water Efficiency Approach with Adaptation to Climate Change
- Drought/ Flood Management
- Watershed Management with Focus on Civil Society Participation
- Efficient Water Governance
- Safe drinking Water and Wastewater Management
- Water supply augmentation
- Participatory Groundwater management practices
After the presentations, in her closing remarks, the Chair thanked the delegates for their active participation and for sharing best practices on Water Resources Management. She appreciated that the presentations from all across the globe encompassing plethora of water issues and challenges and innovative ways to address them amicably by G20 members will be definitely of immense value for all G20 members. She emphasized that India always plays an active role in such collaborative scientific endeavors as we truly believe in the concept of ‘Universal brotherhood & Collective wisdom’, and always contributed for betterment of humankind and collectively, it will lead to ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’
The session was followed by visit by the delegates to the stalls put-up by the organizations under the Ministry of Jal Shakti showcasing various themes & sharing the quality work in Atal Jal, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Nation Water Mission, etc.
Thereafter, the excursion visits were undertaken by G20 Delegates to the following sites showcasing India’s Water Management Practices
- Adalaj Vav – Demonstration of the ancient water management practices of India
- Sabarmati Siphon – Sabarmati Siphon demonstrates India’s engineering prowess as Narmada river’s waters flow through a huge tunnel built under the bed of the river
- Sabarmati Escape – Sabarmati Escape facilitates a safe evacuation of canal in case of emergency.
- Sabarmati River Front- The project approach is to bring about an overall environmental improvement, social upliftment and sustainable development along the Riverfront.
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