All India Water Resource Department Secretaries’ Conference to be held in New Delhi

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Jal Shakti will convene the All-India Conference of Senior Most Secretaries of Water Resources Departments on July 13, 2026, in New Delhi to strengthen Centre-State coordination and review national water programs. The conference focuses on eight priority agenda items, including dam safety, water conservation campaigns, and policy reforms. A critical deadline mentioned is the completion of the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) by December 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Conference Overview and Governance** * **Date and Venue:** Scheduled for July 13, 2026, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. * **Leadership:** Chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C R Patil, and co-chaired by the Minister of State and the Secretary of DoWR, RD&GR. * **Participants:** Senior officials from all States and Union Territories (UTs), along with central organizations including the Central Water Commission (CWC), National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), and National Water Mission (NWM). **Priority Agenda Items** * **Scheme Modernisation:** Reviewing the status of the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Scheme. * **Water Conservation:** Implementation of a special one-month nationwide #CatchTheRain campaign to boost community participation. * **Guidelines and Frameworks:** Introduction of revised draft Project Appraisal Guidelines for irrigation and flood management, and the development of a framework for Model State Water Awards. * **Dam Management:** Focus on the effective implementation of Rule Curves for reservoirs to improve safety and operations. * **Reforms and Data:** Assessing the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF) and the progress of Irrigation Censuses across States and UTs. **Safety and Regulatory Compliance** * **Dam Safety Act, 2021:** Ensuring the completion of the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) for relevant structures by the December 2026 deadline. **Impact Analysis** **State and Union Territory Water Resources Departments** **Impact** These departments are the primary implementers of water reforms and national schemes. They are affected by new appraisal guidelines and the requirement to align state frameworks with national water reform goals. **Action Required** Secretaries must report on the progress of irrigation censuses, share implementation challenges, and evolve coordinated strategies for accelerated reforms. **Dam Owners and Regulatory Authorities** **Impact** The focus on the Dam Safety Act, 2021, places direct regulatory pressure on authorities responsible for reservoir operations and safety evaluations. **Action Required** Must implement effective Rule Curves for reservoir operations and ensure the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) is finalized by December 2026. **Ministry of Jal Shakti and Central Organizations (CWC, NDSA, NWM)** **Impact** These bodies are responsible for policy coordination, institutional strengthening, and overseeing the nationwide implementation of water initiatives. **Action Required** They must facilitate the sharing of experiences between states and ensure the timely implementation of ongoing national programs and the #CatchTheRain campaign.

Key Entities Referenced