TOI Water Summit 2025: Experts weigh in on need for multi-pronged approach to ensuring safe water access

Speaking at the TOI’s 2025 Water Summit, Experts and policymakers underscored the need for a multi-pronged approach to ensuring

safe water access

at the “Water Sanitation & Public Health – Safe Water for All” panel discussion. The session, moderated by Daksh Sethi, Founder of Guby Rogers & The Wolf Media Co., brought together key voices from government, research, and civil society to discuss challenges and solutions.
The panel featured Heera Lal, IAS, State Nodal Officer, Prime Minister Agriculture Irrigation Scheme; Divyendu Kumar Singh, Unit Coordinator (Technical), S.W.S.M. (UP); Prashansha Gupta, CEO, Institute for Water & Climate Initiatives; and Mr Hari Prakash Haihyvanshi, Deputy Programme Manager, Water & Wastewater, CSE India.
Prashansha Gupta highlighted gaps in water supply infrastructure, particularly in high-altitude regions where pipeline maintenance remains a challenge. She advocated for community ownership and education to ensure efficient water use and reduce wastage. “A well-built system is only as good as its users,” she noted, emphasising the importance of solar-powered water pumping stations as a sustainable alternative.
Divyendu Kumar Singh provided insights into

Jal Jeevan Mission

, launched in 2019 to provide tap water connections in rural India. He detailed Uttar Pradesh’s progress, citing the laying of 51,000 km of pipelines, connecting 48,000 villages to the network, and certifying 24,000 villages as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ (Every Home with Water). He also highlighted the adoption of solar energy for water supply schemes, stating that 900 MW of solar panels have been installed across 33,000 schemes, reducing operational costs and ensuring sustainability.

While infrastructure is crucial, experts agreed that sustainability depends on community participation. Ms Gupta stressed that awareness campaigns, especially targeting children and social media, could drive a shift in water conservation practices. “The mindset needs to change. If people don't value water, no system will work efficiently in the long run,” she added.
Heera Lal called for rethinking large-scale water storage and instead prioritising localised conservation efforts. Citing research from IIT Kanpur, he said, “Big dams are no longer the solution. Small-scale

groundwater recharge

and

rainwater harvesting

must be prioritised.”
The discussion concluded with a consensus that a combination of infrastructure, policy innovation, and public awareness is critical to addressing India’s water challenges. Sustained government investment, solar-powered solutions, and community-led conservation efforts will be key to securing safe and accessible water for all.