A new case study examining the development of water governance in Gujarat and India was launched at IIM Bengaluru yesterday in the presence of Ashok Kumar Meena, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The study has been co authored by Dr Daniel Smith, Assistant Professor at George Mason University, Dr Nitin Bassi, Fellow at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, along with other contributors. It examines the evolution of water governance and presents lessons for policymakers and practitioners working on water management across the Global South.

During the launch, Jal Shakti Secretary Ashok Kumar Meena highlighted the importance of community involvement, strong institutions, consistent investment and ownership by Gram Panchayats in driving changes in the water sector. He said the Jal Jeevan Mission was conceived by the Water and Sanitation Management Organisation around a model based on shared participation by communities.

Meena also discussed the next phase of the programme, Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. He said the focus is now moving beyond the creation of water assets towards ensuring long term delivery of services. Under this approach, village panchayats will manage local micro utilities, supported through grants and collections from user fees.

Former Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Parameswaran Iyer also spoke to the media about the key lessons highlighted by the case study. He pointed to political leadership, participation from communities and the involvement of panchayats as important elements in the evolution of water governance.