New Delhi, Sep 24 (PTI) Climate-risk assessment, early-warning systems, glacial-lake monitoring, water-use efficiency and financing of water projects were among the key issues discussed on the third day of the ninth India International Water Week (IIWW) here on Thursday.
The discussions focused on ways to strengthen water security and prepare the water sector to deal with climate-related challenges, with experts stressing the need for better data, technology, early-warning systems and stronger governance.
Participants discussed the use of smart metering and monitoring technologies to improve water-use efficiency and better manage water resources.
The need to include climate-risk assessment in water planning and governance was also discussed. The experts also stressed the need for policy and governance reforms to build greater resilience to climate-related risks.
Discussions on climate-resilient measures covered hydrological modelling for dams in the changing climate, glacial-lake-outburst floods and the rehabilitation of earthen and rockfill dams.
Data-driven governance and early-warning systems also received attention, with presentations covering water informatics, AI-assisted data governance, drought and flood forecasting, AI-based dam-safety warning systems and the monitoring of glacial lakes in the Himalayas.
The discussions also looked at changing rainfall patterns and temperature trends, along with erosion modelling on the Brahmaputra and geophysical investigations for dam safety.
Financing of water projects was another key area of the discussions, with the experts examining public-private partnerships, green finance for water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and water user charges.
The discussions also focused on ways to mobilise private capital for urban water, wastewater and irrigation projects and improve the financial sustainability of water services.
The experts also discussed the role of water user charges in ensuring the long-term sustainability of irrigation, along with technology-based approaches to optimise canal water releases.
Best practices in water management, resolution of inter-state water disputes and India’s traditional water heritage were also discussed.
Participants examined alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for water disputes and the need to connect traditional water heritage, including sacred rivers, temple tanks and stepwells, with modern water management.
A start-up forum provided startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and academic institutions an opportunity to showcase solutions in areas, such as water-resources management, wastewater treatment, irrigation efficiency and smart water systems.
Technical discussions covered the sustainability of rural water supply systems, water quality and emerging contaminants, financing models for water and sanitation services and climate-resilient WASH systems.
The discussions highlighted the importance of proper operation and maintenance, community participation, technology and innovation in ensuring sustainable water and sanitation services.
On the sidelines of the event, India and the Netherlands signed two tripartite memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for technical cooperation and capacity building for the Kalpasar project in Gujarat.
The ninth IIWW is being held from September 22 to September 26 at Bharat Mandapam. The theme of the event is “Climate Resilient Water Management”. PTI ADI RC
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