Water reserves to be identified via satellites; Agreement likely between ISRO & Jal Shakti ministry

The MoU is expected to be formalized during the National Workshop on Research and Development in the Water Sector, scheduled for June 1st at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Jal Shakti is set to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to strengthen satellite-based technologies for the assessment, monitoring, and management of water resources. Twenty-four priority areas for collaboration have already been identified under this initiative.

The MoU is expected to be formalized during the National Workshop on Research and Development in the Water Sector, scheduled for June 1st at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi.

Launch of ‘Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas for Water’

A key highlight of the workshop will be the launch of the ‘Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas for Water’, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the National Research Foundation.

The mission aims to promote cutting-edge research in critical areas such as water resource management, drinking water, climate resilience, and water-use efficiency.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry will announce:

An open call for research proposals in priority water sectors.

A platform for startups and MSMEs via the BHARAT-WIN portal to develop innovative products and prototypes in the water domain.

Digital Platform to Boost Community Engagement

Another key launch during the workshop will be the digital platform ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain’. This platform is designed to encourage community participation in water conservation, enabling citizens, institutions, and local bodies to document and showcase efforts in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and sustainable water management.

One-Day Workshop to Strengthen India’s Water Research Ecosystem

The workshop will be inaugurated jointly by:

• CR Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti
• Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology
• Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti
• V Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space

Participants will include representatives from government, academia, and industry. The sessions will focus on topics such as groundwater management, irrigation practices, river morphology, flood zone mapping, climate resilience, ecological assessment, dam safety, urban aquifer mapping, and applications of remote sensing in water governance.

Exhibition to Showcase Innovations in Water Sector

An exhibition will run alongside the workshop to highlight innovative technologies, research findings, and best practices in water management. It will offer research institutions, startups, MSMEs, and technical organizations a platform to present technology-driven solutions for sustainable water management.

Additionally, the workshop will review the impact of water sector research over the past 12 years and discuss strategic priorities for the 16th Finance Commission cycle, aiming to chart a roadmap for India’s water sustainability initiatives.