Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil At Davos 2025. |
Mumbai: India’s commitment to sustainable water management took center stage at Davos 2025, with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil spearheading discussions on fostering global partnerships to secure a water-sustainable future.
This marked the debut of a Union water resources minister at the World Economic Forum (WEF), underscoring India’s growing leadership in addressing global water challenges. Over 300 attendees, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and international water experts, gathered for the session.
Patil emphasized India’s impressive strides in water conservation, underlining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in making water security a national priority. “PM Modi has consistently prioritized water conservation, ensuring no stone is left unturned in securing water for all,” Patil remarked.
He highlighted Gujarat’s transformation from a water-deficient state to a water-secure model under Modi’s leadership as Chief Minister. “Gujarat’s pioneering water initiatives became a blueprint for the rest of the country. For example, the initiative to create 75 lakes in every district has led to the restoration of over 60,000 lakes nationwide,” Patil shared.
The Union minister stressed that these large-scale projects have fortified India’s water resources, setting a global standard for sustainable water management. He also called for greater international collaboration, acknowledging water scarcity as a global crisis exacerbated by climate change, overpopulation, and overuse.
“Water unites us all. It is through collective action that we can ensure a sustainable future,” he asserted.
Fadnavis also took the opportunity to showcase Maharashtra’s successful water conservation efforts, including community-driven initiatives and watershed programs. “These initiatives have not only improved rural livelihoods but also enhanced agricultural productivity,” he said.
