Water Science, Community Conservation Efforts Hold Key To India’s Future: Experts A gathering of Padma awardees and water experts in Nagpur, organized by the Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, emphasized the critical role of water science, grassroots participation, and public awareness in addressing India’s water conservation challenges. The event, titled Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026, aimed to explore water conservation as a strategy to combat farmer suicides in Vidarbha, a region plagued by agricultural distress. Participants highlighted the need to move beyond infrastructure projects and focus on systemic understanding of water systems. Padma Bhushan Anil Joshi, a prominent speaker, criticized the superficial approach to water scarcity, urging society to grasp the complexities of water science. He drew parallels between rivers and roads, arguing that understanding natural systems is essential for effective conservation. “Rivers connect places just as roads connect communities,” Joshi stated. “Society must learn from nature to conserve water.” His remarks underscored the importance of integrating ecological knowledge into policy and practice. Keshav Chatradhara, a river and climate expert, proposed introducing water literacy from pre-primary education to higher secondary levels. He also called for establishing a national water community centre to coordinate policy and local planning. Chatradhara warned that communities are increasingly disconnected from groundwater systems, leading to ecological damage even in water-rich areas. He stressed the necessity of reconnecting younger generations with water and nature to secure sustainable solutions.#vidarbha #padma_awardees #purti_sinchan_samruddhi_kalyankari_sanstha #nagpur_jalsamvad_2026 #anil_joshi
