All India Water Secretaries’ Conference 2026 Held in New Delhi

Key Facts

• Date & Venue: 13-14 July 2026, New Delhi
• Organiser: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Chairperson: Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil
• Co-chairs: Minister of State Raj Bhushan Choudhary and Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao
• Participants: Approximately 200 senior officials including Secretaries from States and Union Territories
• Main topics: Water conservation, dam safety, irrigation reforms, groundwater management, and the Catch the Rain 2026 campaign
• Documents released on 14 July 2026: City-level Action Plan for Reuse of Treated Water for Varanasi, and O&M Manual for Artificial Recharge and Ground Water Conservation Structures
• Goal: Completion of Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation for all specified dams by December 2026

Background & Context

The Ministry of Jal Shakti was established in 2019 by merging the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, to provide integrated water resource management in India. The Catch the Rain campaign is linked with efforts on rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, which are standard measures in water conservation programmes across the country. The Dam Safety Act, 2021 provides the statutory framework and institutional arrangements for the safety of specified dams in India. Varanasi, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities located on the banks of the River Ganga, is a key focus for sustainable water initiatives such as reuse of treated water.

Why This Matters for Exams

This conference reflects significant government strategies and policy implementations related to water governance—a critical topic in various competitive examinations. Important details include the formation and functions of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, key legislations like the Dam Safety Act, 2021, major campaigns like Catch the Rain 2026, and state-level action plans emphasizing sustainable water use such as the initiative in Varanasi. Knowledge of these reflects understanding of India's approach to water management, environmental governance, and public administration, making it highly relevant for exam preparations.

Points to Remember

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti was formed in 2019 by merging two ministries focused on water resources and sanitation.
• The All India Water Secretaries’ Conference was held on 13-14 July 2026 in New Delhi under the aegis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Union Minister C. R. Patil chaired the conference, with co-chairing by Minister of State Raj Bhushan Choudhary and Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao.
• Priority agenda included water conservation, dam safety, irrigation reforms, groundwater management, and the Catch the Rain 2026 campaign.
• Three key documents were released during the conference addressing treated water reuse and groundwater conservation techniques.
• The Dam Safety Act, 2021 governs dam safety protocols and institutional arrangements in India.
• The target for completing the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation of specified dams is set for December 2026.
• Varanasi’s reuse of treated water plan underscores the emphasis on sustainable urban water management.
• The conference resolutions include time-bound measures aiming to achieve 'Jal Surakshit, Bharat Surakshit' (Water Safe, India Safe).