Centre, ISRO Launch New Water Research Initiatives

Synopsis:  The Centre has signed a new agreement with ISRO to strengthen satellite-based water resource management and launched multiple research initiatives aimed at improving water security, conservation, and innovation.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the use of satellite technology and space-based applications for water resource management across the country. The agreement marks a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen water security through advanced technology, scientific research, and innovation-driven solutions.

The MoU was signed during a national workshop on research and development in the water sector organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Under the partnership, the Department of Water Resources and ISRO will collaborate on 24 priority research areas covering reservoir monitoring, water-spread assessment, river-flow analysis, satellite-based water quality monitoring, groundwater evaluation, and studies on macroplastic distribution in water bodies.

Addressing the event, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil emphasized that water security remains a critical pillar in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. He stated that challenges related to water availability and conservation requires solutions driven by technology, innovation, traditional knowledge, and public participation. The minister highlighted that the ministry has supported more than 113 research projects over the past decade, helping generate practical solutions for the water sector.

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During the workshop, the government also launched the third phase of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign. Under this initiative, the Centre has set a target of creating two crore water conservation structures between June 2026 and May 2027. Officials noted that the previous phase had already surpassed the milestone of 1.5 crore structures, reflecting growing public participation in water conservation efforts.

Another major announcement was the launch of the Mission for Advancement in High Impact Areas (MAHA)-Water programme, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The programme aims to support collaborative research projects involving academic institutions, laboratories, startups, and industry partners to address critical challenges in the water sector. An open call for startups and MSMEs was also introduced through the Bharat Water Innovation Network (Bharat WIN) platform.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the agreement would deepen cooperation between the space agency and water resource authorities, enabling better monitoring, forecasting, and management of water resources through satellite technology. He noted that collaboration between ISRO and the water resources sector has continued since 1982 and will now expand into new areas such as flood forecasting, groundwater assessment, and integrated water management systems.