Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates the 8th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) in New Delhi

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, recently inaugurated the 8^th Edition of the Indian Water Impact Summit (IWIS) on 22^nd November 2023 in New Delhi. Organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga), the three-day summit from November 22 to 24, 2023, brought together scientific experts, stakeholders and government representatives to address the dynamic challenges and opportunities in India’s water sector.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s Vision for Sustainability

Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the pivotal role of ethics, ecology, environment and economics in shaping a sustainable future. He advocated for the conversion of knowledge into wealth through innovation and waste into wealth, citing examples like the potential development of the Zuari River in Goa as a model for boosting tourism and generating revenues.

Inauguration and Key Speakers

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the pivotal role of ethics, ecology and economics in shaping a sustainable future.
• Minister Igor Papic advocate for a holistic approach to technology development, emphasizing the need to incorporate social science and humanities.
• Debashree highlighted key issues and strategies within water security and management, addressing challenges posed by climate change.
• G. Asok Kumar, DG-NMCG, reiterated Namami Gange’s commitment to cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga and its tributaries.

Holistic Technology Department

Igor Papic, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation from the Republic of Slovenia, called for a holistic approach to technology development for societal benefit. Highlighting the need to incorporate social science and humanities, he underscored the significance of water as a fundamental natural resource and its role in sustainable management. Shri Papic addressed global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and biodiversity loss.

Addressing Water Security Challenges in India

Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary-Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, outlined key challenges in water security and management. She discussed the government’s substantial investments in drinking water and sanitation through flagship programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission. Ms. Mukherjee emphasized the impact of climate change on water cycles and proposed strategies focusing on improving river health, enhancing water use efficiency in agricultural and comprehensive management.

International Collaboration and Global Initiatives

Shri. G. Asok Kumar announced the upcoming launch of the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) during COP28 on December 10, 2023, in Dubai. He emphasized the global mission to unite cities for transforming rivers into catalysts for urban water management. Shri Kumar highlighted NMCG’s achievements in pollution abatement, effective river basin management and efforts to connect people with rivers. NMCG’s expansion of collaborative initiatives to 140 rivers and the launch of the Global Cities Alliance, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing urban water challenges.

Innovation and Technology Showcased at CITIS

The concurrent India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) and the 1^st CITIS Summit featured technology pitches, an exhibition and innovative solutions in water, energy, waste, food, agriculture and transport. The Jalaj Stall emerged as a central attraction, symbolizing the enthusiasm for exploring innovative water solutions. The 1^st Day of IWIS featured sessions on ‘Samarth Ganga and Productive Land-I’ and ‘Lifestyle for & Economics of River-I.’

Important Questions Related to Exams

Q1. When did the 8^th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) take place?

Sol. The 8^th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) took place on November 22 -24, 2023.

Q2. Who inaugurated the 8^th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS)?

Sol. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, recently inaugurated the 8^th Edition of the Indian Water Impact Summit (IWIS) on 22^nd November 2023

Q3. Where did the 8^th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) inaugurate?

Sol. The 8^th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) inaugurated in New Delhi.

Q4. When is the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) scheduled to be launched?

Sol. Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) is scheduled to be launched during COP28 on December 10, 2023, in Dubai.

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