India–Germany Collaboration Key to Sustainable Water Future
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) organised the Strategic Conclave 2026 on “Integrated Water Resource Management” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, scientists, conservationists and international partners to deliberate on sustainable water governance and technological cooperation.
Dr. Kusumita Arora Director, IGSTC shared that this conclave is an attempt to bring key stakeholders toa common discussion forum: leaders from government sector, conservation specialists and academic researchers, as wee industry experts.
Delivering the opening address, Renowned conservationist Dr. Rajendra Singh also known as “Waterman of India” focused on community-led water conservation models and traditional wisdom in water harvesting.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Vikrant Tyagi, GIZ, emphasised the urgent need for scientific and technological interventions in addressing water stress and wastewater management challenges. He underlined the importance of decentralised treatment systems, circular water economy approaches and integration of advanced treatment technologies for ensuring safe and sustainable water access.
Prof. Ligy Philip (IIT Madras) highlighted scientific and systems-based approaches to water sustainability. She emphasised the urgency of remediating pollution due to new emerging chemicals in water.
In his address, H.E. Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India, highlighted the deepening Indo-German partnership in science, sustainability and climate resilience. He noted that water management is a shared global challenge and stressed the importance of bilateral collaboration in research, innovation and policy frameworks.
Delivering the closing remarks, Dr. Arindam Bhattacharyya, Department of Science and Technology (DST), highlighted the strategic importance of integrated water resource management in the context of climate change, rapid urbanisation and increasing industrial demand.solutions effectively address ground-level challenges.(UPDATED ON 24TH FEB 2026)
