Vice-President inaugurates 9th India International Water Week 2026

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, a five-day event (22-26 September) organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti around the theme 'Climate Resilient Water Management.' He noted India holds about 2.4% of the world's land area and 18% of its population but only around 4% of global freshwater resources, and highlighted that 10 inter-State MoUs have been signed for water sharing, citing the Kishau Multipurpose Project among six States as a model of inter-State cooperation. On the occasion, he launched the Sustainable Urban River Management (SURM) Framework and an AI/ML-driven Integrated Reservoir Sediment Management initiative. He also referenced the Prime Minister's 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' call and India's 2047 developed-economy goal, framing water-use efficiency, recycling and river-basin management as central to future planning.