World Water Day: Let us reaffirm our commitment to conserve every drop of water, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the public on the occasion of World Water Day on Sunday, March 22, 2026, and paid tribute to the essential element of life that shapes the future of the planet.
“Water sustains us and shapes the future of our planet. On World Water Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to preserve every drop of water and use it responsibly,” Mr Modi said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister said today is also a day to appreciate those who implement sustainable practices, raise awareness and develop the culture of conservation.
According to the United Nations, the main focus of World Water Day is to work towards Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure water and sanitation for all by 2030.
According to the statement on the UN website, the 2026 World Water Day campaign calls for a transformative, rights-based approach in which women have equal say, leadership and opportunities in water-related decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, World Water Day on Saturday, March 21, reminds us of the critical importance of fresh water and the urgent need for sustainable water management, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said. It highlights growing challenges such as water scarcity, climate change and equitable access, while mobilizing governments, industries and communities around the world to take action to secure water for current and future generations. This year’s global theme “Water and Gender” further underlines the need for inclusive and equitable water management.
Reinforcing this global call to action, Jal Shakti Ministry held a meeting with Dr. in New Delhi on March 23. The Ambedkar International Center will host the World Water Day Convocation 2026 under the theme “Water Industry”.
The inaugural session will be held in the presence of Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Paatil along with senior representatives from the government and industry.
The Conclave highlights the growing convergence of Ministries, academia and industry towards strengthening India’s water security through a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” approach. Recognizing that water is a vital national resource and the primary role of States/UTs in the management of water, they were encouraged to organize appropriate activities to mark the occasion.
Such initiatives can raise public awareness, encourage community participation, and promote responsible water use. States/UTs can undertake awareness programmes, showcase best practices such as rainwater harvesting and reuse, engage industries and urban local bodies to improve water use efficiency and promote community-led initiatives.
The meeting will serve as a national platform for dialogue, innovation and collaboration for sustainable water management, bringing together policy makers, industry leaders, academia, startups, MSMEs and young innovators to create scalable, technology-driven solutions.
Positioning industry as a key driver of water use efficiency, recycling, reuse and innovation, the meeting highlights the paradigm shift where industries are shifting from water users to water managers and adopting smarter and more sustainable practices. More than 700 delegates from different sectors will participate in the event.
It will be an important event to congratulate the Jal Shakti Hackathon winners who recognize innovative and effective solutions in the water sector. State governments will actively participate in the census-focused session, which will also include congratulations on the completion and publication of key national water census reports, particularly those that underscore the importance of data-driven water governance.
The “Water for Industry” session will culminate in a Joint Industry Declaration that reaffirms the industry’s commitment to sustainable water management.
It was published – 22 March 2026 09:21 IST
