World Water Week 2025 | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Key Themes

• Water-Climate Nexus: Central to mitigation (e.g., hydropower) and adaptation (e.g., flood resilience).
• India’s Initiatives: Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal, and Namami Gange drive sustainability.
• Corporate Commitment: Tata Projects targets water neutrality by 2030, positivity by 2045.
• Finance Gap: Only 3% of climate finance allocated to water despite 90% of impacts being water-related.

Key Highlights

• World Water Week 2025: Focuses on Water for Climate Action for global resilience.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Delivers safe water to 80% of rural households with resilient infrastructure.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: Boosts groundwater levels via community participation.
• Corporate Efforts: Tata Projects integrates water KPIs for neutrality and positivity.
• Finance Shortfall: 3% of climate finance for water projects, despite high impact.
• Water Quality: Tackling arsenic and fluoride contamination through testing and action plans.
• Collaborative Approach: Government, industry, and communities unite for sustainable water solutions.

Key Insights

1. Water as Climate Solution
   Water supports mitigation (e.g., hydropower) and adaptation (e.g., flood/drought resilience), requiring integrated strategies for climate security.

2. Corporate Leadership
   Tata Projects’ goals of water neutrality (2030) and positivity (2045) set a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure practices.

3. Climate Finance Gap
   Only 3% of climate finance targets water, despite 90% of climate impacts being water-related, necessitating increased funding.

4. Jal Jeevan Mission Impact
   With ₹4 lakh crore invested, the mission ensures safe, climate-resilient water access for 80% of rural households.

5. Community-Driven Success
   Atal Bhujal Yojana’s groundwater improvements highlight the power of local engagement in sustainable water management.

6. Corporate Project Benefits
   River rejuvenation and sewage treatment reduce floods, boost biodiversity, and improve community health.

7. Agricultural Innovations
   Technologies like drones, satellite imagery, and drought-resistant seeds enhance water efficiency but need scaling for broader impact.

8. Water Quality Focus
   Addressing arsenic and fluoride contamination through testing labs and village action plans ensures safe drinking water.

9. Multi-Stakeholder Synergy
   Collaboration among government, industry, and communities leverages innovation, policy, and local knowledge for sustainable solutions.

10. Integrated Management
    Holistic approaches combining conservation, recycling, and technology democratization are vital for resilient water systems.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: Bridging the climate finance gap, scaling technologies, and addressing contamination.
• Opportunities: Enhancing community participation, leveraging corporate innovation, and strengthening water-focused policies.

Conclusion

World Water Week 2025 underscores water’s critical role in climate action, with India’s Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana showcasing scalable, resilient solutions. Corporate commitments like Tata Projects’ water neutrality goals and collaborative efforts across stakeholders highlight the path forward. By addressing finance gaps and scaling innovations, India can lead in sustainable water management, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision for a climate-resilient future by 2047.