Pune: The National Water Academy (NWA) under the Central Water Commission (CWC) has launched a week-long training program titled ‘Overview of the Water Resources Sector in India’ from August 4 to 8, 2025.
Targeting NGOs, media professionals, and civil society representatives, the program aims to deepen stakeholder understanding of India’s complex water ecosystem and foster stronger collaborations for sustainable water management.
Inaugurating the training, D S Chaskar, Chief Engineer and Head of the National Water Academy, emphasized the vital roles of civil society, media, and NGOs in shaping water discourse, driving policy change, and raising public awareness.
Also Read: HCL and UpLink Launch Global Water Resilience Challenge for Climate-Tech Startups
“India’s water challenges are distinct from those in developed nations. With varied climatic zones and socio-economic diversity, our water solutions must be region-specific and community-driven,” he stated.
Chaskar underscored the necessity for inclusive governance and participatory decision-making, calling media and civil society the fourth and fifth pillars of democracy. He lauded the diverse backgrounds of the 35 participants, who hail from various regions and share a common vision of improving water resilience and community well-being.
In-depth sessions by National Water Academy faculty and expert speakers from CWC and partner institutions
Key topics include:
- Water availability and distribution
- Quality and groundwater development
- Irrigation strategies and flood management
- Legal and constitutional provisions related to water
A highlight of the training is a field visit to Hiware Bazaar, a model village in Maharashtra renowned for its successful transformation from drought-prone to water-secure through innovative conservation techniques. Additional visits include the Khadakwasla Dam, CWPRS Pune, Water Quality Laboratory, and Full Climate Station of Upper Krishna Division, CWC, offering real-world exposure to best practices in water resource management.
Also Read: SusMafia Launches Climate-Tech Opportunity Map to Cut 72 Per Cent of India’s Emissions
The program is being coordinated by Milind Panpatil, Director, NWA.
This initiative reflects the National Water Academy’s commitment to empowering grassroots stakeholders, strengthening participatory water governance, and promoting regionally tailored solutions for India’s water future.
