Water Science, Community Conservation Efforts Hold Key To India’s Future: Experts

Nagpur: Padma awardees and experts said that water conservation cannot succeed through infrastructure projects alone and requires a deeper understanding of water science, grassroots participation and stronger public awareness.The Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026, organised by Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, brought together Padma awardees and water experts from across the country to deliberate on water conservation as a pathway toward a farmer suicide-free Vidarbha.Addressing the gathering, Padma Bhushan Anil Joshi said society often discusses water scarcity without truly understanding it. Stressing the need to focus on water science, he said 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.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 centre 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.Padma Shri Umashankar Pandey voiced concern over the increasing commercialisation 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.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.