PM Modi Addresses Jal Shakti Summit, Calls for AI-Driven Water Governance and 'Team India' Approach

On September 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the valedictory session of the two-day National Departmental Summit on Water, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi. The summit was the inaugural event in a series of departmental summits conceptualized by the Prime Minister to promote cooperative federalism, strengthen the spirit of 'Team India', and foster collective ownership of major national priorities across central and state administrations.

Addressing union ministers, state leadership, and senior officials, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that water management cannot be treated solely as a government responsibility but must become a sustained people's movement (Jan Bhagidari). He urged states and urban local bodies to adopt modern water-saving technologies, implement desilting protocols, and establish robust water data governance using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The summit focused on four strategic pillars: the expedited completion of major water infrastructure projects, nationwide rainwater harvesting through Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, drinking water source sustainability, and operational management under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. PM Modi stressed that the outcomes of the summit must lead to time-bound action plans and continuous review mechanisms to ensure measurable improvements in water security across rural and urban India.