Pankaj Nath, Assam, 1 September: The Ministry of Jal Shakti convened a two-day conference on 1–2 September at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, aimed at strengthening safe drinking-water supply and ensuring long-term water security in rural India. The event was chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and brought together ministers and senior officials from state public health and engineering departments.

Assam’s Minister for Public Health Engineering and related departments, Krishnendu Pal, attended the conference. The agenda focused on coordinated policy and practical solutions for water security, resilient water management, reliable service delivery, and challenges related to water quality and availability in rural areas. Organisers said sessions prioritized discussion on water stress, water quality, supply reliability, rising demand, and sharing locally developed experimental innovations. Technical innovations, financing options, community participation, and successful operational models were presented so they can be scaled up across districts and states to improve rural drinking-water services. Officials emphasised cost-effective, sustainable water-management strategies and experience-sharing among states to address common challenges. Government sources said the platform was designed to accelerate coordinated action plans and fast-track innovations that ensure safe drinking water for rural communities.The Ministry also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address the conference on the second day, highlighting long-term strategies and nationwide initiatives for the water sector. The Prime Minister’s remarks were expected to provide clearer policy direction and strengthen collaborative efforts between the Centre and states.The conference aims to catalyse renewed focus on scalable, community-driven measures to improve water quality and service reliability across rural India, and to promote broader adoption of effective models and technologies showcased during the sessions.