The two-day “Sujalam Bharat Vision” Summit 2025, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, concluded on Friday at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with a renewed national resolve to build a water-secure and sustainable India. More than a programme, Sujalam Bharat has emerged as a collective movement to ensure safe water access, conservation, and healthier communities across the country.
Held under the guidance of **Prime Minister Narendra Modi**, the summit was coordinated in close collaboration with NITI Aayog. The initiative seeks to integrate grassroots innovations into national decision-making, bridging policymakers and on-ground implementers to accelerate India’s water management and sanitation goals.
A National Framework for Long-Term Water Security
Experts at the summit emphasised that India is currently tackling multiple stressors — rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, climate variability, and changing land-use patterns. The answer, they noted, lies in strengthening conservation mechanisms supported by science, sustainability and community involvement.
The summit outlined six key thematic areas critical to the Sujalam Bharat Vision:
1. Revival of rivers and natural springs
2. Greywater management
3. Technology-based water solutions
4. Large-scale water conservation
5. Sustainable and reliable drinking water supply
6. Community participation and water governance
Community at the Centre of National Water Policy
Officials underscored that water security extends beyond environmental and economic boundaries, shaping dignity, equity and public health. Reliable access to water eliminates the burden of water collection long borne by women, supports sanitation, curbs water-borne diseases, and improves the quality of life, education and livelihoods.
The programme places strong emphasis on traditional wisdom and community-driven water governance, recognising the cultural legacy of water conservation in India.
Government’s Ongoing Flagship Missions
The summit reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening water networks through a whole-of-government approach. Key national initiatives include:
* Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) & Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) — focusing on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and mass public participation.
* Namami Gange Programme — restoring the Ganga riverine ecosystem.
* Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) — ensuring household-level safe drinking water access.
* Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) — improving sanitation systems nationwide.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 15 crore rural households have already received tap water supply, progressing toward the target of providing every rural household with 55 litres per person per day by 2028.
The Four R’s: Foundation for a Water-Secure Future
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for the principle of “Four R’s — Reduce, Reuse, Recharge and Recycle” was reiterated as the guiding philosophy for long-term water sustainability.
The summit also recalled the PM’s launch of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative last year in Surat, where he stated that “water conservation cannot succeed only through policy — it demands public commitment.”
Conclusion
With the Sujalam Bharat Vision 2025 Summit, India has taken a decisive step toward integrated and community-centric water management. By combining scientific planning, traditional knowledge, and mass participation, the country aims to realise the dream of a clean, water-secure and sustainable Bharat.