Archive · 6 Oct 2026
India’s Water Governance Model Offers Lessons for Global South
India held a water conference in New Delhi about preparing for climate challenges.
A new study looks at water programmes in Gujarat and across India from 2001 to 2026.
It says having pipes and canals is not enough if there is not enough water or the systems are not managed well.
The study says leaders, strong institutions, and steady funding matter.
It also says governments should plan water supplies and water services together.
Communities can help decide how water is protected and used.
Treating and reusing used water could also be helpful.
The authors say these lessons may help other countries in the Global South, if they adapt them to their needs.
The ninth India International Water Week in New Delhi focused on climate-resilient water management.
A case study traces water governance reforms in Gujarat and India from 2001 to 2026.
It argues water security depends on governance and institutions as well as engineering and infrastructure.
Its four lessons are to lead with governance, plan resources and services together, build community ownership, and scale up.
The study highlights treated-water reuse, local participation, and sustained financing as priorities for future water security.
- Who
- The Indian government and communities are central to the reforms discussed; the case study’s authors include former Ministry of Jal Shakti secretary Iyer, Council on Energy, Environment and Water fellow Bassi, and George Mason University assistant professor Smith.
- What
- India’s water governance reforms and their potential lessons for countries in the Global South.
- When
- The case study covers 2001–2026; the article also refers to the ninth India International Water Week and a September 2026 Departmental Summit on Water.
- Where
- New Delhi, Gujarat, and India; the lessons are presented as relevant to the Global South.
- Why
- To strengthen water security and climate resilience, and to share approaches to governance, service delivery, community participation, and scaling up.
- Conference
- Ninth India International Water Week, hosted in New Delhi
- Conference theme
- Climate-resilient water management
- Case study
- “From Gujarat to India: Water Lessons for the World”
- Period examined
- 2001–2026
- Four lessons
- Lead with governance; manage water resources and services together; root action in communities; build for scale
- Treated-water market projection
- Annual revenue in India projected at around Rs 73,000 crore by 2047, at current prices
- SDG 6 investment estimate
- An additional $500 billion in annual investment is estimated to be required