Asserting that river-linking projects will enhance water management and provide drinking water to more households, Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil stated that the Centre is in talks with several states to link more rivers in the coming days.
Patil, attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting as the first-ever water resources minister to participate in this global summit, also highlighted how the Modi government's focus on water has improved the lives of ordinary people and empowered women.
"It is surprising that no water resources minister has come to Davos until now. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognised this, and that is why I am here. He understood the need for water in growth, industry, agriculture, human life, and animals. He realised that water was not given adequate importance at Davos, and so he sent me here to underline its significance globally," Patil said in an interview.
"At the same time, the Prime Minister wanted the world to learn about India’s achievements in water resource management. People used to claim there was no drinkable water in India or clean water availability. Today, 15 crore households have access to clean water at home, and they no longer face water scarcity," he said.
"There are so many benefits. When we talk about women’s empowerment, women previously had to travel long distances to collect water. A WHO report now highlights that the time women used to spend collecting water is now saved. They can use this time for their children's education or for earning money for their families," Patil said.
"Women are being empowered simply by ensuring water availability in their households. Clean water access has also reduced the prevalence of many diseases, saving significant amounts of money previously spent on medicines. The WHO has reported that approximately ₹8.4 lakh crore has been saved in medical costs due to improved water availability," he added.
The minister emphasised that river-linking projects will enhance water management and allow a greater number of people to access water.
He noted that the Rajasthan project has commenced and that the Ken-Betwa project in Madhya Pradesh is also starting soon. "We are also in discussions with other states, and I believe that in the coming days, work on linking more rivers will begin, uniting the entire country in this effort," he said.
Patil added that the Modi government's water schemes have improved people’s quality of life and helped them generate additional income. Referring to waste water management in Surat, Gujarat, he described its significant benefits to the city.
The India Pavilion at Davos hosted a global discussion titled “India's WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” This high-profile session, highlighting India's achievements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), underscored their role in global climate resilience and sustainable development.
In his keynote address, Patil presented India’s journey in implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which have played crucial roles in improving sanitation coverage and providing safe drinking water to millions of rural households.
The minister asserted that India is deeply committed to water conservation and is driving transformative change in this critical sector. Through large-scale efforts, the country has significantly strengthened its water resources, setting a global benchmark for sustainable water management.
Addressing water scarcity, which is exacerbated by climate change, overpopulation, and overuse, Patil called for enhanced international cooperation and collective action.
Rural India is now saving 55 million hours per day previously spent fetching water, leading to increased workforce participation and productivity, particularly among women, he said.
According to WHO, efforts in the past decade to improve sanitation have prevented the deaths of 3 lakh children under the age of five.
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