India’s ongoing efforts to address water security have gained international recognition, with a senior World Bank official identifying the country’s initiatives as a successful blueprint for other developing nations. Saroj Kumar Jha, the Global Director for Water at the World Bank Group, described India’s progress as a "remarkable success story" during a virtual press briefing held ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
Jha noted that developing countries are actively studying India’s "water journey" to find solutions for their own infrastructure challenges. He specifically highlighted large-scale national programmes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Namami Gange initiative, as practical models that offer a "how-to" guide for implementation. According to Jha, these efforts demonstrate the effectiveness of combining strong government leadership with popular participation and adequate financing.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to improve access to drinking water in rural regions, was singled out as particularly impressive for its unprecedented scale. Jha stated that the program has reached 800 million people in less than seven years, noting that the initiative is now shifting its focus toward long-term sustainability, operations, and maintenance. Similarly, India’s sanitation efforts have influenced international policies, with Jha citing Nigeria’s 'Clean Nigeria' campaign as an example inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Beyond water access and sanitation, the World Bank official praised the Namami Gange Programme for its success in reducing pollution and improving the health of the Ganga. He emphasised that the bank’s support has also extended to dam safety, where funding has contributed to the increased resilience of nearly 900 dams through technical support and the establishment of centres of excellence.
Key facts
- Saroj Kumar Jha is the Global Director for Water at the World Bank Group.
- The 2026 UN Water Conference will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal.
- The Jal Jeevan Mission has reached 800 million people with improved drinking water access in under seven years.
- World Bank funding has assisted in strengthening the resilience of nearly 900 dams across India.
Why it matters
The recognition of India's initiatives serves as a focal point for global water management discussions. Jha stated that he has encouraged Indian government officials to use the upcoming UN Water Conference as a platform to share their experiences and demonstrate how large-scale water management can be effectively implemented in other developing regions.
Background
Water security is increasingly becoming a global priority as nations face the dual challenge of ensuring equitable access to clean water while protecting existing resources from pollution and unsustainable use.
Source: Economic Times, Hindustan Times
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