India’s approach to water management is increasingly attracting international recognition, with its large-scale initiatives offering valuable lessons for developing countries. The World Bank has described the country’s progress as a remarkable success story, highlighting how coordinated efforts in providing clean drinking water, rejuvenating rivers, improving sanitation and strengthening water infrastructure can deliver results on an unprecedented scale. With the 2026 United Nations Water Conference approaching, India has an opportunity to present its experience as a practical model for addressing global water challenges.
World Bank Global Director for Water Saroj Kumar Jha has praised India's achievements in water management, describing the country's progress as a remarkable success story that could inspire other developing nations. Speaking ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, Jha highlighted India's efforts to expand access to safe drinking water, restore river ecosystems, improve sanitation and strengthen the security of critical water infrastructure.
Among the initiatives that received particular appreciation were the Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange and Swachh Bharat Mission. According to Jha, the Jal Jeevan Mission has brought improved drinking water access to approximately 800 million people in less than seven years, representing a significant step towards improving public health and the quality of life, particularly in rural communities. The programme's emphasis on household tap connections has helped make access to drinking water an important component of India's development agenda. Its scale and implementation demonstrate how sustained public investment, institutional coordination and community participation can contribute to addressing one of the most fundamental human needs.
Jha also acknowledged India's efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga through the Namami Gange programme. Cleaning and restoring one of the country's most important rivers involves not merely addressing pollution but also protecting its ecological health and improving the management of wastewater and other sources of contamination. The initiative reflects a broader understanding that rivers are essential natural resources whose conservation requires continuous intervention, scientific planning and public participation.
Another important area of progress identified by the World Bank official was dam safety. India's efforts to strengthen the safety of nearly 900 dams underline the importance of maintaining ageing water infrastructure and reducing risks associated with structural vulnerabilities. Dams play a crucial role in irrigation, drinking water supply, electricity generation and flood management. Ensuring their safety is therefore essential for protecting lives, livelihoods and economic assets.
The recognition comes at a time when water security has become an increasingly pressing international concern. Population growth, urbanisation, climate change, groundwater depletion and unpredictable rainfall patterns are placing additional pressure on water resources, particularly in developing economies. For many countries, the challenge is not simply increasing water availability but ensuring equitable distribution, sustainable consumption and effective management of existing resources.
Against this backdrop, Jha has encouraged India to share its experiences and lessons with the international community at the forthcoming United Nations Water Conference, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026. The conference will provide an important platform for governments and international institutions to discuss practical solutions, strengthen cooperation and advance global commitments towards sustainable water management.
India's experience offers several important lessons: large-scale programmes must be supported by effective implementation, infrastructure development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, and public participation is indispensable for ensuring long-term sustainability. The country's initiatives also demonstrate the importance of treating drinking water, sanitation, river conservation and dam safety as interconnected elements of a comprehensive water policy.
As India prepares to share its achievements on the global stage, the World Bank's appreciation reinforces the growing international significance of its water management efforts. The larger challenge will be to sustain these gains, address remaining gaps and ensure that development does not come at the cost of ecological balance. If effectively implemented and adapted to local conditions, India's experience could offer developing countries a valuable roadmap towards a more water-secure future.
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