Nagpur: Padma awardees and water experts have asserted that water conservation cannot be achieved through infrastructure projects alone; it requires a deeper understanding of water science, grassroots participation, and stronger public awareness.
Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026 Highlights
The Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026, organized by Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, brought together Padma awardees and water experts from across the country to discuss water conservation as a pathway toward a farmer suicide-free Vidarbha.
Key Insights from Padma Bhushan Anil Joshi
Addressing the gathering, Padma Bhushan Anil Joshi remarked that society often discusses water scarcity without truly understanding it. He stressed the need to focus on water science, noting that people still know very little about water. "Understanding nature is the easiest route toward understanding water systems. Rivers connect places just as roads and highways connect communities. Society must learn from nature if it wishes to conserve water effectively," Joshi said.
Call for Water Literacy by Keshav Chatradhara
River and climate expert Keshav Chatradhara advocated introducing water literacy from pre-primary education up to the higher secondary level. He also proposed establishing a national water community center focused on water policy and local planning. Chatradhara warned that communities across the country are becoming disconnected from groundwater systems, causing ecological damage even in water-rich regions. Reconnecting younger generations with water and nature, he said, would be essential for the future.
Concerns Over Commercialization by Umashankar Pandey
Padma Shri Umashankar Pandey voiced concern over the increasing commercialization of drinking water through premium packaged variants. He warned that while population growth continues, groundwater levels are steadily declining. "Every stage of human life — from birth to cremation — remains dependent on water," Pandey said, stressing water's significance.
Practical Conservation Efforts by Sethpal Singh
Padma Shri Sethpal Singh focused on practical conservation efforts and rainwater harvesting. "Effective water management in my village has significantly improved groundwater levels. Agricultural diversification is the sustainable path forward. Conservation efforts at the local level can collectively create large-scale transformation," he said.
