New Delhi: Ministry of Jal Shakti will launch the MAHA on Water initiative at a national workshop on water research and development in New Delhi on June 1 to strengthen India’s water innovation ecosystem.
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary will jointly inaugurate the workshop. Senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, ISRO, the Department of Science and Technology and other institutions will also attend.
The one-day workshop will bring together policymakers, scientists, industry representatives, startups and academic institutions. The event aims to strengthen collaboration and promote innovation-driven solutions for sustainable water management.
A major highlight will be the launch of MAHA on Water, or Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas for Water. The initiative is a joint programme of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Officials said the programme will support research in water resources management, drinking water, climate resilience and water-use efficiency. In addition, the government will announce an open call for research proposals under the initiative.
The ministry will also launch an open call for startups and MSMEs through the BHARAT-WIN Portal. The programme aims to support product development and prototype creation in the water sector.
MAHA on Water to drive innovation and collaboration
The workshop will also witness the launch of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain digital platform. The platform will encourage citizens, institutions and local bodies to document and showcase water conservation efforts.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to promote community participation, behavioural change and grassroots innovation. Therefore, officials expect it to strengthen long-term water security and climate resilience.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti and ISRO are also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding. The agreement will support satellite-based applications and advanced technologies for water resource assessment and monitoring.
Furthermore, experts will discuss groundwater management, irrigation practices, floodplain mapping, climate resilience and dam safety during technical sessions. They will also review the impact of water-sector research undertaken over the past 12 years.
An exhibition featuring innovative technologies, research outcomes and best practices will run alongside the workshop. As a result, research institutions, startups and technical organisations will get an opportunity to showcase solutions for sustainable water management.
Officials said the workshop will help shape future research priorities. It will also support innovation-led policymaking and stronger community participation in the water sector.
