Significant reforms in ‘Knowledge Transfer and Skill Development in the Water Sector’ highlight the contributions of the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), a national educational institution dedicated to fostering an equitable, sustainable, and efficient transformation of Indian settlements. IIHS, designated as a Key Resource Centre under the Ministry of Jal Shakti for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), alongside other ministries tasked with the responsibility of developing and executing customized capacity building programmes.
India’s diverse geography presents unique water management challenges. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands rely on rainwater harvesting and resilient infrastructure due to cyclones and coastal salinity. Assam faces recurring floods and groundwater contamination. Bihar struggles with groundwater depletion and sanitation issues from high population density. Gujarat deals with droughts, salinity, and urban-rural disparities. Karnataka confronts groundwater depletion, interstate water disputes, and urbanization pressures. Kerala has water quality issues from industrial and agricultural runoff and frequent natural disasters. Meghalaya’s rugged terrain and heavy rainfall complicate infrastructure development. Odisha needs resilient systems against cyclones and saline groundwater. Punjab suffers from groundwater depletion and contamination from agricultural and industrial sources. West Bengal contends with arsenic contamination, floods, and high population density. Each state faces challenges influenced by climate, terrain, resource availability, and water quality.