The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) organizes State-Level Workshop on 'Sustainable Groundwater Management and National Aquifer Mapping' at Pune

**Executive Summary** The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) organized a State-Level Workshop on "Ensuring Sustainable Groundwater Management: National Aquifer Mapping Findings and Data Dissemination" on February 17, 2026, in Pune. The workshop, held at YASHADA, comprised three technical sessions covering NAQUIM studies, state government initiatives, and perspectives from private organizations. The workshop concluded with an address by Shri Shekhar Gaikwad, Additional Director General, YASHADA. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Workshop Overview:** * The workshop was organized by the CGWB, Central Region, Nagpur. * The event took place at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Pune. * **Inauguration and Welcome:** * The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Mallinath Kalshetty, Dr. Vijay Pakhmode, and Shri Sachin Kalantre. * Dr. Umesh S. Balpande delivered the welcome address. * **Technical Sessions:** * **Session I:** Focused on presentations on NAQUIM 1.0 and 2.0 studies and data dissemination initiatives. Presenters included Smt. Nelofar, Ms. Pournima Barahate, Shri S. S. Purty, Shri Rakesh Dewangan, and Shri Nirmal Kumar Nanda. * **Session II:** Presentations by representatives from State Government departments, including Mrs. Bhagyashri Maggirwar, Shri Ankit Dudeja, and Dr. Sanjay Patil. * **Session III:** Showcased perspectives from private organizations, NGOs, and Gram Panchayat representatives, including Dr. Shrikant Gabale. * **Additional Presentations:** * Presentations on GIS technology and integrated AI approaches for groundwater management. * Shri Ajit Phadnis discussed safeguarding drinking water resources. * Smt. Dipali Hirave and Shri Gajanan Lonkar shared insights on community participation. * Shri Namdeo Narnawhre briefed on Paani Foundation initiatives. * Shri Raja Bhau Shelke spoke on water conservation. * **Conclusion:** * The workshop concluded with an address by Shri Shekhar Gaikwad. * The concluding session featured an interactive discussion focusing on the utilization of CGWB-generated data. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: CGWB Officials and Subject Experts** * **Impact:** Engaged in interactive discussions focusing on the effective utilization of CGWB-generated data for sustainable development and groundwater management across the State. * **Action Required:** Utilize the feedback and insights gathered during the workshop to refine strategies for groundwater management and data dissemination. **Stakeholder: State Government Departments** * **Impact:** Gained insights into NAQUIM studies and data dissemination initiatives, as well as perspectives from private organizations and NGOs. * **Action Required:** Incorporate the knowledge and best practices shared during the workshop into their respective groundwater management strategies and initiatives. **Stakeholder: Private Organizations, NGOs, and Gram Panchayat Representatives** * **Impact:** Shared their perspectives and experiences in groundwater management and conservation. * **Action Required:** Continue to collaborate with the CGWB and other stakeholders to implement sustainable groundwater management practices at the local level. **Stakeholder: Community Members** * **Impact:** Directly or indirectly affected by any action based on the workshop outcome. * **Action Required:** Support and participate in groundwater conservation and management efforts within their communities.

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