New Delhi: In a significant move to bridge the gap between policy and practice, Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, chaired the first in a series of lecture sessions with field-level experts.
The inaugural session, held on August 1, 2025, featured a lecture by Ms. Mridula Ramesh, founder of the Sundaram Climate Institute and a celebrated “Water Warrior.”
The new initiative is part of DDWS’s ongoing efforts to create a “jan andolan” (people’s movement) for water, a key component of the flagship Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
By directly engaging with experts who have on-the-ground experience, the department aims to better understand the practical challenges and successes in the WaSH sector.
This knowledge is crucial for refining strategies under missions like the JJM and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), which are focused on providing safe drinking water and sanitation to all rural households.
Mridula Ramesh: A Voice from the Frontlines
Ms. Ramesh, a recognized expert and author on climate change and water, brought a wealth of practical experience to the session. As the founder of the Sundaram Climate Institute, she focuses on sustainable waste and water solutions.
Her work, including her books “The Climate Solution” and “Watershed,” highlights how grassroots initiatives and technological innovation can address India’s water crisis.
She is known for advocating pragmatic, scalable solutions and for showcasing the work of “climate warriors” across the country who are successfully adapting to and reversing the effects of climate change on water resources.
DDWS’s Commitment to Collaborative Water Management
Secretary Shri Meena’s active participation in the session underscore the DDWS’s commitment to a multi-stakeholder approach.
The department recognizes that successful water conservation and sanitation are not just a matter of infrastructure but also of community engagement and behavioral change.
By listening to experts like Ms. Ramesh, the DDWS is gathering critical feedback to boost the efforts of individuals and communities striving to save water bodies nationwide.
This session marks a step towards greater collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and individual experts, aiming to foster a more resilient and sustainable water future for India.