VP Radhakrishnan Urges Water Conservation, Backs River Linking at India Water Week 2026

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday called for more efficient use of water and an integrated approach to managing the resource, bringing together river basin management, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 9th India International Water Week-2026 in New Delhi, he said water scarcity remained a major challenge and stressed that requirements should be met with the “smallest possible quantum of water”.

Drawing on his experience of scarcity, Radhakrishnan described the difficulties faced by farmers in his native region.

“I came from a place where water scarcity is so much; even at 1000 feet we don’t get water. Agriculture is one of the toughest jobs in my area,” he said.

Conservation and Cooperation

Radhakrishnan called for greater public awareness about conserving water and referred to concerns that competition over the resource could fuel future conflicts.

He said gatherings such as India International Water Week gave policymakers, experts and other stakeholders an opportunity to discuss water-management challenges and possible responses.

His remarks placed efficient consumption alongside a broader approach to managing water resources. He emphasised the need to address river basins, groundwater replenishment, rainfall collection and irrigation together.

Interstate water-sharing disputes remained a concern, he said, pointing out that parts of the country continued to face drought-like conditions even as disputes were being settled.

A Renewed Push for River Linking

The Vice President also reiterated his support for linking rivers, recalling a 19,000-kilometre Rath Yatra he undertook in Tamil Nadu more than two decades ago.

River linking, he said, was the most important component of the journey’s five-point programme.

“It is very close to my heart,” he said, recalling his proposal to connect the Ganges with the Cauvery to help address the country’s water needs.

Radhakrishnan said he had discussed the proposal in detail with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his tenure as an MP. He expressed happiness over the work being undertaken on river linking.

Praise for Water-Sharing Agreements

Radhakrishnan welcomed interstate cooperation and said 10 memoranda of understanding had been signed for water sharing.

He referred to agreements signed over two days involving states and territories including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he described the agreements as a major achievement of the ministry.

“I think this is the greatest achievement of this ministry,” he said.

With inputs from ANI