Water Conclave 2026 begins at IIT Roorkee
Roorkee, February 23, 2026 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, in collaboration with the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, has inaugurated the 4th Roorkee Water Conclave (RWC 2026). This significant event is being held from February 23 to 25, 2026, under the theme, “Transboundary Water Cooperation through Nexus Approach.”
Purpose and Theme
The biennial conclave aims to bring together leading policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and water professionals from around the globe. The focus is on deliberating integrated and sustainable solutions to emerging water challenges. Key thematic areas of discussion include:
- Transboundary river basin management
- Climate change adaptation and resilience
- Hydro-meteorological extremes
- Groundwater sustainability
- Water quality
- The water–energy–food nexus
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee. Dr. YRS Rao, Director of NIH Roorkee, served as Co-Chairman, while Prof. Ashish Pandey from IIT Roorkee acted as the Convener. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and the rendition of the Kulgeet, followed by welcome remarks from Prof. Ashish Pandey.
Prominent addresses were delivered by:
- Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant
- Dr. YRS Rao
- Dr. Mark Smith, Director General of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
The program also featured special addresses from Padma Shri awardees Umashankar Pandey, Savjibhai Dholakia, and Popat Rao Pawar. The release of the Conclave Proceedings and a keynote address by Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, Government of India, were key highlights before concluding with a Vote of Thanks and the National Anthem.
Keynote Address Highlights
During his address, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant emphasized the intrinsic link between water security, climate resilience, food systems, and energy sustainability. He pointed out that the demand for water is increasing due to the growing use of AI data centers. He stated, “Platforms such as the Roorkee Water Conclave enable evidence-based dialogue and foster global partnerships essential for cooperative and science-driven water governance.”
Prof. Ashish Pandey, the Convener of RWC 2026, highlighted the importance of the nexus approach in addressing complex transboundary water challenges. He remarked, “RWC 2026 is designed to integrate scientific research, policy frameworks, and community engagement to develop actionable pathways for sustainable water management.”
International Participation
The conclave features a total of 42 keynote speakers from various countries, including:
- United States
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Israel
- The Netherlands
- Canada
- Japan
- Norway
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Australia
- Taiwan
- Nepal
This diverse representation from international organizations will provide valuable perspectives and insights into current water management challenges and innovative solutions.
Panel Discussions
A major highlight of RWC 2026 is the panel on “Community Participation and Socioeconomic Aspects of Water Cooperation.” This panel will feature eminent leaders and Padma Shri awardees such as Savjibhai Dholakia, Popat Rao Pawar, Bharat Bhusan Tyagi, and Uma Shankar Pandey, alongside senior policymakers including:
- Rajiv Ranjan Mishra (former Director General, NMCG)
- Yugal Joshi (Program Director, NITI Aayog)
- RN Misra (former CMD, SJVN Limited)
- Atul Jain (Vice President, Deen Dayal Research Institute)
- Prof. Anil K Mishra (Technical Expert, NRAA, Government of India)
This high-level panel underscores the conclave’s commitment to bridging science, policy, and grassroots leadership to ensure inclusive, community-driven, and institutionally robust water governance frameworks.
Goals of the Conclave
The Roorkee Water Conclave aims to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and promote resilient and equitable water resource management frameworks. Through plenary sessions, technical discussions, and policy dialogues, RWC 2026 seeks to:
- Facilitate knowledge sharing among experts and stakeholders
- Encourage innovative solutions to water management challenges
- Support the development of actionable strategies for sustainable water governance
Conclusion
The Roorkee Water Conclave 2026 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water management through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, the conclave aims to address the pressing water challenges faced globally.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates from the Roorkee Water Conclave 2026 and aims to provide an overview of the event’s significance and objectives.
