Australia and India address India’s water challenges

Collaboration in water research, training and education between Australia and India is growing rapidly through new initiatives supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Australian Water Partnership, Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati to address the sustainable management of water – growing water challenges for both countries and the world.
Collaboration in water research, training and education between Australia and India is growing rapidly through new initiatives supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Australian Water Partnership, Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati to address the sustainable management of water – growing water challenges for both countries and the world.

Collaboration in water research, training and education between Australia and India is growing rapidly through new initiatives supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Australian Water Partnership, Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati to address the sustainable management of water – growing water challenges for both countries and the world.

These partners launched an innovative mobile app called ‘MyWell.’ It is designed to support farmers and villagers with monitoring and visualisation of groundwater, surface water, rainfall and water quality. The app also allows users to check dam water levels remotely.

The app will be used by villagers trained to manage their groundwater resources. These citizen scientists, called Bhujal Janakaar (BJs) are part of the ‘Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention’ (MARVI) project. The app will help BJs and ordinary citizens to make sense of what is happening to water availability in their villages.

“MARVI is already transforming lives and farming communities. It is achieving this through its unique approach to engaging and training villagers to monitor and manage groundwater. The concept of MARVI has been adapted for the Ministry’s ambitious national project, the Atal Bhujal Yojana,” said Ms Debashree Mukherjee, Special Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti. “The expansion of MARVI will empower BJs and ordinary citizens across India to self-manage water sustainably,” she said.

Water challenges faced best from multiple perspectives

Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati are closely working with partners in India. They are contributing to the Government of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission. Ideally, it will transform farmers’ lives and train the next generation of water professionals. The Australia-India Water Centre brings together eight universities and one State Government Department from Australia, 16 Indian institutes of Technology, key universities and the Maharashtra Water Resources Department of India.

“The future of water security in India is also in the hands of future leaders in water management,” said Sarah Ransom, General Manager of the Australian Water Partnership.  “I am pleased that the first cohort of 20 Young Water Professionals are graduating today from a 10-month training program. The program was delivered by the Australia-India Water Centre, led by Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.”

“The Young Water Professionals program is unique. It focuses on project-based learning with real-world situations and clients,” said Professor Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University. “The program will not only provide technical capacity building. It also develops the critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and project management skills. They are needed for management of water resources and water management reforms in India,” he said.

“India and Australia are natural partners. This collaboration is an important step in the right direction,” said Ms. Debashree Mukherjee. “I am particularly inspired by the equal participation of women. These will be our female leaders in future water management.”

Western Sydney University supporting sustainable water management

Western Sydney University is ranked number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings. It is also rolling out a Joint Master program in Sustainable Water Futures, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.

“This degree is based on short courses. It provides a great opportunity to build the capacity of water professionals. The degree is jointly delivered by Australian and Indian partners of the Australia-India Water Centre,” said Professor T.G. Sitharam, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.

“Collaboration is the key to the relationship between Australia and India,” said Professor Glover. “Partnerships, such as this , drive our Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) impact. It brings together key players to tackle the pressing water challenges of our two countries.”

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