The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus offers a holistic framework to address the complex interlinkages and trade-offs among water, energy, and food systems, particularly where these resources intersect across national borders. Rapid population growth, urbanization, and shifting consumption patterns have escalated the demands on all three systems. By 2050, global food production must increase by 60%, energy consumption by 50% (by 2035), and irrigation water withdrawals by 10%.

Agriculture sits at the heart of this nexus, being both a major consumer and producer of energy and water. In India—home to the world’s largest irrigated area—groundwater overexploitation and unsustainable energy subsidies have created challenges for long-term sustainability. The Green Revolution, while addressing food security, has imposed long-term stress on water and energy resources. Moreover, climate change has emerged both as a cause and consequence of unsustainable practices, exacerbating pressures through altered rainfall, reduced yields, and heightened Green House Gas (GHG) emissions (agriculture: 18.4%, energy: 73.2%).

In transboundary settings, water used upstream for irrigation or hydropower may affect downstream food and energy availability. Nexus thinking fosters joint planning, equitable benefit-sharing, and regional cooperation. For instance, coordinated dam operations can balance hydropower, agriculture, and environmental flows. Similarly, aligning policies on groundwater use and energy pricing can reduce trade-offs and enhance sustainability. To advance this integrated Nexus approach for transboundary water cooperation, key research areas include:

• Modelling Trade-offs in transboundary basins to quantify cross-border synergies and conflicts;
• Climate Impacts on WEF Nexus assessing vulnerabilities and adaptive strategies;
• Governance Mechanisms for institutional and stakeholder alignment;
• Benefit-Sharing Frameworks to enable equitable and sustainable resource use;
• Decision Support Tools that integrate water, energy, and agricultural data for collaborative planning.

Additionally, the Energy-Smart Food (ESF) Programme by FAO stresses the need to align food security, energy access, and climate-smart technologies—especially in rural and post-crisis settings. The WEF Nexus is also intricately linked to the UN SDGs, influencing at least five core goals.

By embedding these efforts into basin-level institutions and regional dialogues, the WEF Nexus becomes a strategic enabler of peace, sustainability, and shared prosperity in a climate-challenged world.

Hydro-meteorological extremes and cryosphere hazards are intensifying due to climate change, which are increasing significant risks to ecosystems and human societies. The cryosphere, comprising glaciers, permafrost, snow, and ice sheets, is particularly sensitive to global warming. High mountainous regions across the world including the Himalaya, are experiencing warming rates 2–3 times higher than the global average as reported in IPCC AR6. This rapid warming disrupts natural processes, intensifying hazards like floods, avalanches, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The impacts are far-reaching, affecting water security, infrastructure, and public health.

Glaciers worldwide are retreating, contributing to sea-level rise and altering freshwater availability. Inconsistently, even as snow cover diminishes, extreme winter events like heavy snowfall and avalanches may increase due to atmospheric instability. Glacial lakes are expanding, raising the risk of GLOFs that endanger downstream communities and infrastructures. These changes highlight the cryosphere’s role as a climate regulator and the urgent need for adaptive strategies.

Recent studies highlight a significant increase in climate extremes across the Himalaya, including intensified precipitation, and accelerated glacier retreat. Extreme precipitation events have triggered frequent landslides and flash floods, particularly in the eastern and central Himalaya, while western regions face rising aridity. Observations also note shifting monsoon patterns, with more erratic snowfall and earlier snowmelt.

High Mountainous areas, including the Himalayas, are highly vulnerable to cryosphere-related hazards. Glacier retreat and permafrost thaw destabilize slopes, triggering landslides and rockfalls. In Himalayan regions, warming rates have been found higher than global averages, amplifying glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and altering river flows.  The 2013 Kedarnath disaster in Uttarakhand, India, was one of the most catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)-related events in Himalayan history. It was triggered by a combination of extreme rainfall (370% above normal) and a moraine-dammed lake breach near the Chorabari Glacier. In October 2023, a devastating GLOF from South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim, India, triggered by an ice avalanche, destroyed critical infrastructure and lives. Similarly, in 2021, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, witnessed a catastrophic flood linked to a glacier breach, killing more than 200 people. Nepal’s Melamchi Valley faced destructive flooding in 2021, exacerbated by glacial melt and heavy rainfall. GLOFs, often caused b due to GLOF moraine-dammed lake breaches, pose severe threats to valleys below. Snow avalanches and debris flows are becoming more frequent, exacerbated by unpredictable precipitation patterns, frequency and intensity. These hazards are may be compounded by natural and human driven activities. The interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors amplifies risks, demanding integrated hazard management approaches.

The Cryosphere environment across the Himalayan system, is a critical water source for over millions. Climate change here manifests as rising temperatures, declining snow cover, and glacier retreat—except in the Karakoram, where some glaciers remain stable due to unique climatic conditions. Permafrost degradation affects vast areas, destabilizing high-altitude landscapes. Extreme floods, often linked to GLOFs or intense monsoon rains, are the most frequent disasters. Glacial lakes in the Himalayan regions are expanding, with over 200 identified as high-risk. Landslides, worsened by heavy rainfall and poor land-use practices, disrupt transportation and livelihoods. Reduced snowmelt alters river flows, impacting irrigation and hydropower. Downstream communities face heightened risks of floods and water shortages, straining disaster response systems. Addressing these challenges requires robust monitoring, early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Hydro-meteorological extremes and cryosphere hazards are intensifying globally, with the Himalayan regions emerging as a hotspot for climate risks. The region’s dependence on cryosphere-derived water underscores the need for adaptive governance and transboundary cooperation. Mitigating these hazards demands interdisciplinary research, policy action, and community engagement to build resilience. As the cryosphere continues to shrink, proactive measures are vital to safeguarding vulnerable populations and sustaining ecosystems in a warming world.

The 4th Roorkee Water Conclave (RWC 2026) brings into sharp focus the urgent and interlinked challenges of climate change and water security under the theme “Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Resilience.” In the face of rising global temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, and the increasing intensity of extreme hydrological events, this theme underscores the imperative for collective action across science, policy, and practice.

Water lies at the heart of climate impacts. Changes in temperature and precipitation are already influencing the availability, quality, and distribution of freshwater resources. These impacts pose serious threats to agriculture, energy production, ecosystems, and public health. Moreover, climate-induced water extremes—ranging from prolonged droughts to devastating floods—are becoming more frequent and intense, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, especially in developing countries like India. With nearly 36% of the global population currently living in water-scarce areas, and projections indicating that up to four billion people may face severe water stress by 2050, the urgency for resilient water management has never been greater.

The theme of RWC 2026 reflects the need for integrated approaches that combine adaptation, mitigation, and resilience-building strategies. Adaptation involves anticipating and responding to water-related climate risks through improved infrastructure, better forecasting systems, sustainable urban drainage, and nature-based solutions. Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from water-intensive sectors, enhancing water-use efficiency, and protecting aquatic ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks. Resilience, meanwhile, is about strengthening the capacity of communities and systems to absorb, recover, and transform in the face of climatic disruptions.

This biennial conclave provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. Policymakers, researchers, water professionals, and industry leaders will come together to share knowledge, present research innovations, and chart pathways for sustainable water futures. The event encourages dialogue on scalable technologies, community-driven adaptation practices, and policy frameworks that promote equitable and efficient water governance.

Significantly, the theme aligns with global climate and development agendas, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where water is a cross-cutting enabler—from SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) to SDG 13 (Climate Action). Yet, water continues to be undervalued and inefficiently managed. RWC 2026 aims to challenge this status quo by fostering a deeper appreciation of water’s centrality to climate resilience and by promoting actionable solutions rooted in science, innovation, and local contexts.

Addressing the water-climate crisis demands a holistic approach—balancing adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. Through its focus on adaptation, mitigation, and resilience, the RWC26 sets the stage for bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and transformative action toward a water-secure and climate-resilient future.

Groundwater-a hidden yet vital resource is under immense stress. Over-extraction, contamination, and climate variability are threatening water security, affecting millions of lives. In India, the total annual groundwater recharge in the country has been assessed as 446.90 BCM and the annual extractable ground water resource has been assessed as 406.19 BCM (CGWB report, 2024). The annual groundwater extraction is 245.64 BCM. About 11% of the assessment units (blocks/Mandals) have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’ indicating ground water extraction exceeding the annually replenishable ground water recharge. The ‘Over-exploited’ assessment units have declined and ‘Safe’ assessment units have further improved in Year 2024 as compared to previous year, indicating an overall improvement in groundwater management due to several interventions employed in recent years. Aquifer management refers to sustainable use of groundwater which involves planned set of practices such as groundwater extraction, aquifer recharge and its protection. Some of the key points for aquifer management have been highlighted in subsequent paragraphs.

Overexploited Aquifer: The excessive GW extraction can be managed by (a) regulations such as pricing or metering GW use, (b) increase in water use efficiency in agriculture (e.g., drip irrigation), industry, and domestic sectors. There should be guidelines for the safe yield of groundwater to avoid over exploitation.

Aquifer Recharge: The over-exploited aquifers can be restored by enhancing the recharge and decreasing the draft. Aquifer recharge can be enhanced by different methods such as RWH, check dams and percolation tank etc. The recharge is being affected by climate change, therefore, climate models can be integrated to estimate and predict impacts of recharge.

Aquifer Protection from GW Contamination: It must be ensured that the groundwater should not be polluted while recharging. The harmful activities should be prevented near the recharge zones. The aquifer should be protected from the contamination from industries, agriculture and domestic sources. The deteriorating GW quality such as salinity, iron, arsenic, uranium, fluoride, nitrate and emerging contaminants, etc. are also an issue which requires immediate attention. Some of these contaminants are geogenic in nature but they get aggravated due to anthropogenic activities.

Data Monitoring and Assessment: The data monitoring is critical for adaptive management and policy making. Regular groundwater levels, GW quality and extraction rates should be monitored by advanced tools and techniques and evaluated for the effective management strategies.

Public awareness and participation: Public awareness and participation is a key factor in aquifer management. The farmers, industries, communities and Government can be engaged in participatory management. There should be education and outreach programs to stake holders to promote sustainable practices.

Keywords: Aquifer Recharge, GW Contamination, Aquifer protection, GWL monitoring

Prof. K. S. Hari Prasad (IIT Roorkee) & Dr. P. K. Mishra (NIH Roorkee)

Sustainable and efficient irrigation practices are key to conserving water resources, improving crop yields, and minimizing environmental impacts. The lack of water during the growing season viz. initial crop development, flowering, and fruit setting phases will lead to reduced yield and even possible failure of the entire crop production. Irrigation, otherwise known as the additional supply of water artificially during moisture deficit for a growing crop, is needed to ensure plant growth and augment the productivity. It is needed since there are very few regions where precipitation is sufficient enough to satisfy crop needs by establishing an irrigation system. Development of efficient irrigation practices is a continuous process, and essential in the era of globalization and competiveness. Irrigation systems were evolved since pasts as mentioned in ancient scriptures and literatures Eg. Chapters 1.55, 1.85, 1.105, 7.9, 8.69 and 10.101 of Rigveda describing use of wells with a pulley system, Buddhist texts and Mauryan Empire era documenting payment-based irrigation services using river water, 2^nd century Grand Anicut at Tamil Nadu, wells and canals during Indus and Harrapan civilization, British built canal networks, the Ganga canal by Sir Proby Cautley, etc. Both traditional and modern irrigation methods aim to provide water to crops, but they differ significantly in terms of techniques, efficiency, and sustainability. It was estimated that adopting micro-irrigation systems could result in water savings of 30-50% compared to conventional irrigation methods, contributing to sustainable water management. Traditional irrigation methods like flood irrigation or surface irrigation (e.g., canals, furrows) are commonly used where water is applied over a large area, often resulting in significant evaporation, runoff, and overuse, whereas in modern irrigation like drip and sprinkler systems are more precise, automated and ensures water is used only when needed, improving efficiency and reducing waste. Automated or semi-automated irrigation systems require less manual labor with smart remote and controlled features. Although the initial setup costs for smart systems can be high, especially with automation and sensors, however, these systems can lead to long-term savings due to increased efficiency, reduced water costs, and higher yields. Modern irrigation practices can be customized for different types of crops and climates, offering more flexibility, scalability, and higher adaptability. Sustainable irrigation practices should be highly integrated with technology such as sensors, weather forecasting, smart controllers, IoT-Based smart irrigation system, nutrigation, grey water recycling, rain water harvesting systems, fertigation, hydroponic and aeroponics system of farming, vertical farming  and smart community irrigation solutions underlying the principle of bringing the entire agricultural community together, along with the government and the private sector, to establish a systematic and sustainable irrigation practices. A sustainable irrigation system also requires accurate measurement of water available for irrigation through advanced models and techniques and ensures pragmatic conjunctive utilizations in a command. By combining these practices, farmers can significantly reduce water usage, increase crop health, increased water and land productivity and enhance the sustainability of their operations. The suggested theme looks for ideas, research, case studies and pragmatic practicing solutions that focus on improving the agricultural water use efficiency with minimum or no environmental impact from the research fraternity.  

Water quality is an important aspect of environmental health, as it directly affects ecosystems, human health, and economic productivity. The water quality is influenced by various factors, including natural processes, and various anthropogenic activities. Water pollution, caused by contaminants such as organic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, Personal care products and other emerging pollutants originating from solid wastes, untreated sewage, and industrial effluents poses a significant threat to water resources worldwide. Emerging pollutants create a major problem when surface and groundwater are used for drinking water production because the conventional drinking water treatments are not designed to remove specifically these micropollutants. Polluted water resources not only harm aquatic life but also affect the availability of safe drinking water, leading to the spread of short term waterborne diseases, long term waterborne diseases and environmental degradation. Monitoring and maintaining water quality are, therefore, essential to ensuring the health of aquatic/terrestrial ecosystems and the safety of water resources for human consumption.

As the human population continues to grow and the global clean water supply is reduced by consumption, contamination and climate change, water issues will only increase in complexity and importance. According to a recent report by WHO, around 800 million people globally still lack even basic access to safe drinking water. Another study stated that poor drinking water quality is responsible for more than 50 different diseases, 20 of which kill 50% of children every year. Poor water quality can have severe health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals can enter the water supply through various sources, including sewage, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and natural processes. These contaminants can cause a range of acute and chronic illnesses, including gastrointestinal illness, respiratory infections, skin irritation, neurological effects, and even cancer. Waterborne diseases are a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where access to safe drinking water is limited. For example, cholera, a bacterial infection caused by contaminated water, can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even death. Typhoid fever, another waterborne disease, can lead to fever, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Pollution control measures play a vital role in preserving water quality by reducing the discharge of harmful pollutants into water bodies. Effective pollution control strategies include the treatment of wastewater before discharge, using various physicochemical and biological treatments. Advanced strategies are required to manage water quality effectively by preventing contamination, removing pollutants, and ensuring safe and clean water supplies. Effective management of water quality requires a comprehensive approach that involves monitoring and surveillance, source water protection, water treatment, public education and outreach, and regulatory policies. As a society, everybody has a responsibility to reduce the amount of pollution that enters the world’s waterways. There is also a need to invest in technologies that will help to better monitor and clean up polluted water sources. By working together, access to safe and clean drinking water can be ensured for everyone and the risk of waterborne diseases and illnesses can be reduced. Regulations and policies that set permissible limits for pollutants and promote sustainable water management practices are essential for reducing water contamination. Moreover, public awareness, community involvement, and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices, such as the reduction of agricultural runoff and industrial waste, can help mitigate pollution. By investing in pollution control measures and adopting sustainable water management practices, societies can protect water quality and ensure a healthier environment for our future generations.

Water quality and the circular economy are closely interconnected, as sustainable water management is essential for resource efficiency and environmental conservation. In a circular economy, wastewater is not treated as waste but as a valuable resource that can be purified, reused, and reintegrated into various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and urban water supply. Advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane filtration, bioremediation, and desalination, help improve water quality while minimizing pollution and resource depletion. By adopting circular economy principles, industries can reduce freshwater consumption, enhance wastewater recycling, and lower environmental footprints. This approach not only ensures the availability of clean water but also supports long-term sustainability by promoting responsible water usage and minimizing wastewater generation.

Keywords: Water Quality, Contaminants, Water Borne Diseases, Treatment Technologies, Circular Economy

The water, food and energy demands are the basic requirements of the society. Water being the driver for meeting all the demands for development, all the civilizations have grown up near the perennial water sources. Right from the place of its origin to its outfall in the sea (or a bigger river), a naturally flowing fresh water river supplements the water, food and energy demands as well as provides the habitat for a variety of diverse life forms. The livelihoods of many fisher folk, boatmen and farmers are supported by the river. Hundreds of religious and cultural events are organized regularly on river banks. All these benefits are provided by naturally flowing rivers without incurring any significant cost, and these benefits are for all times.

Over the time, these demands have increased either due to increase in population or due to lifestyle changes (requiring more per capita demand of water, food and energy). To fulfil these ever-increasing demands of water throughout the year in the tropical monsoon hydrologic conditions in India, a number of water resource projects (domestic water supply schemes, irrigation projects, hydropower projects or multi-purpose projects) have come up which require storage or diversion of river water. As the consequence of this development process, the natural flow regimes of the rivers have altered threatening the aquatic ecosystem and subsequently the self-purification capacity of the rivers required for assimilation of pollutant loads. At the same time, the water bodies, in return, are getting more and more pollutant loads from municipalities, industries and agricultural fields. The problem is getting more complex due to increasing uncertainties of river flows due to the land use change and climate change.

Water is the main driver of existence of any life on the earth. The water bodies, landscape and soil provide habitat for a number of aquatic species due to presence of water. Modifications in various components of hydrologic cycle due to a variety of reasons are increasingly becoming a threat to the ecosystem. Therefore, to assess the impact of hydrology on the ecosystem, a new scientific stream has evolved which is known as ‘Ecohydrology’. It is an interdisciplinary science between hydrology and ecology, which has rapidly developed during the last 30 years. Ecohydrology is concerned with the effects of hydrological processes on the distribution, structure, and function of ecosystems, and with the effects of biotic processes on elements of the water cycle. These effects may take place within water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, or on land, in forests, deserts, and other terrestrial ecosystems. Areas of research in ecohydrology include transpiration and plant water use, adaption of organisms to their water environment, influence of vegetation and benthic plants on stream flow and function, and feedbacks between ecological processes and the hydrological cycle. Ecohydrology requires a good knowledge of the ecological structure and functioning of ecosystem and especially their interaction with the physical and bio-geo-chemical processes.

The interdisciplinary science of ecohydrology explores interactions between the structure and function of ecological systems and the movement and quality of fresh water. While aspects of this science have been investigated for over a century (Mackay, 2019), the field has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, highlighted by the establishment of a new field-specific journal in 2008 (Smettem, 2008). The past decade has also seen an explosion in our capability to sense and model the environment with the concomitant beneficial outcome of being able to better manage water resources. These advances in measurement and modelling have created new opportunities to address interesting and important ecohydrological questions. These science questions are not only fascinating in their own right but are also directly relevant to fundamental societal challenges laid out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as access to clean water and sanitation, provision of food toward zero hunger, and protection of life on land (Brauman et al., 2007; IPBES, 2019; Zalewski, 2000; Zalewski, 2014).

Low-cost sensors, data-management tools, and analytical approaches provide opportunities to acquire, create, and interpret ecohydrological knowledge in new ways. We now have the ability to observe previously unobservable phenomena, to design new experiments, and to test new hypotheses. And, while controlled experiments with clear hypotheses will always remain the gold standard in science, the ability to observe the effects of landscape changes that are happening outside the realm of conventional scientific research can also enhance current understanding. Tools from data science enable us to sift through imperfect observations and discern signals—for example, what happens to low flows when forest is converted to agricultural use? If we implement best-management practices, how is water quality improved? Suddenly, routine and regular landscape manipulations become opportunities for advancing our knowledge. This new mode for science requires that we are willing to fund and support expanded measurement and observation and the analysis of hydrological impacts of landscape modifications that are outside scientists’ control.

New hypotheses and ideas about the effects of landscape change on the amount, distribution, and quality of stemflow, streamflow, or root-water uptake that grow out of these empirical observations can be evaluated and tested with process-based models. Integrating multiple sources of data and observations from across multiple watersheds will improve model reliability (e.g., Clark et al., 2011; Fatichi et al., 2016; Kirchner, 2006). Coming full circle, such models can then be used to direct future experiments, monitoring, and observation to those landscape interventions that would result in the greatest increases to our scientific understanding. Additionally, advances in modelling can enable a hierarchy of models with clear trade-offs between complexity, data requirements, and precision of response. Simple or screening models could be used to evaluate future scenarios and questions of interest for communities and identify whether or not landscape interventions are likely to have an effect. More detailed models could then be used to interrogate those scenarios as needed to inform land-management decisions.

Convergence of climate and landscape changes with advances in measurements and modelling creates an important opportunity for the advancement of ecohydrological knowledge and understanding. Innovative technological developments facilitate the measurement of new environmental characteristics, and inexpensive ubiquitous sensors enable observation at resolutions and scales previously unavailable. Bringing these advances to bear on ecohydrological questions related to canopy processes, belowground processes, and the scaling-up of those processes will bring new insight to the interactions between ecological and hydrological systems, which, in turn, will help us address water-resource challenges in the 21st century.

REFERENCES

Brauman, K., Daily, G. C., Duarte, T. K., and Mooney, H. A. (2007). The nature and value of ecosystem services: An overview highlighting hydrologic services. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 32, 67– 98. 

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.energy.32.031306.102758

Clark, M. P., Kavetski, D., and Fenicia, F. (2011). Pursuing the method of multiple working hypotheses for hydrological modeling. Water Resources Research, 47, W09301. https://doi.org/10.1029/2010WR009827

Fatichi, S., Ivanov, V. Y., and Caporali, E. (2012). A mechanistic ecohydrological model to investigate complex interactions in cold and warm water-controlled environments: 1. Theoretical framework and plot-scale analysis. Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems, 4(2) Quarter 2, M05002. 

https://doi.org/10.1029/2011MS000086

IPBES. (2019). In E. S. Brondizio, J. Settele, S. Diaz, & H. T. Ngo (Eds.), Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Bonn, Germany: IPBES Secretariat.

Kirchner, J. W. (2006). Getting the right answers for the right reasons: Linking measurements, analyses, and models to advance the science of hydrology. Water Resources Research, 42, W03S04. https://doi.org/10.1029/2005WR004362

Mackay, D. S. (2019). Ecohydrology: What’s in a name? Eos, 100, 1-7. 

https://doi.org/10.1029/2019EO123093 Published on 13 May 2019.

Smettem, K. R. J. (2008). Welcome address for the new ‘Ecohydrology’ journal. Ecohydrology, 1, 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.2

Zalewski, M. (2000). Ecohydrology-the scientific background to use ecosystem properties as management tools toward sustainability of water resources. Ecological Engineering, 16, 1– 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-8574(00)00071-9

Zalewski, M. (2014). Ecohydrology and hydrologic engineering: Regulation of hydrology-biota interactions for sustainability. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, 20(1), A4014012. 

https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000999

This sub-theme accommodates innovations and technological advancements in the field of water resource management. The escalating global water crisis, intensified by climate change, urbanization, and transboundary tensions, necessitates the adoption of advanced techniques in water management. These innovations are pivotal for enhancing water security, optimizing resource utilization, and fostering cooperative frameworks across borders.

Smart Monitoring and Adaptive Control: Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control (CMAC) systems integrate sensors, actuated valves, and internet connectivity to dynamically manage stormwater infrastructure. By adjusting operations in real-time based on water levels and quality, CMAC enhances flood protection, water reuse, and channel preservation.

Advanced Treatment Technologies: Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) employ hydroxyl radicals generated through combinations of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and UV light to effectively degrade organic contaminants in water and wastewater. Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) synergize biological treatment with membrane filtration, producing high-quality reclaimed water suitable for various applications. Nanotechnology introduces materials like nanocellulose and graphene-based membranes for water purification. These nanomaterials offer high surface area and reactivity, enabling efficient removal of physical, chemical, and biological contaminants, thus enhancing water treatment processes.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with hydrological modeling facilitates accurate prediction of water availability and demand. In the basin scale studies, AI-driven models can optimize resource allocation, reduce water deficits, and CO₂ emissions. Additionally, AI combined with optical fiber sensing enables precise leak detection in water distribution networks, minimizing losses.

Nature-Based and Decentralized Solutions: Nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands and permeable pavements, mimic natural processes to manage water sustainably. These systems aid in flood control, groundwater recharge, and water purification. Decentralized treatment units offer localized wastewater management, particularly beneficial in peri-urban and rural settings.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems: Innovations like photo-thermal umbrellas enhance solar evaporation, facilitating Zero Liquid Discharge in wastewater management. This approach maximizes water recovery and minimizes environmental impact by reducing liquid waste.

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): IWRM frameworks incorporate climate adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and benefit-sharing mechanisms to manage water resources holistically. Such integrated approaches are essential for sustainable transboundary water cooperation.

Collectively, these advanced techniques offer a multifaceted approach to contemporary water management challenges. Their implementation can significantly enhance water security, promote sustainability, and facilitate cooperative management of shared water resources.

A human-centric approach to water resources development prioritizes the needs and well-being of people, ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources while considering social, economic, and environmental factors. Small rural isolated communities with (say) a population of less than 5000 are generally overlooked due to their small size. They are highly vulnerable and do not have basic access to resources, knowledge, and services to achieve and maintain clean water access and sanitation facilities. This impacts public health, hygiene, and sanitation, and limits the livelihood options. Keeping these in mind, this section will discuss the following issues:

• Prioritizing the Human Needs: This focuses on meeting the diverse water needs of communities, including drinking water, sanitation, agriculture, industry, and recreation. 
• Inclusivity and Equity: This will emphasise the equitable access to water resources regardless of income, location, and social status, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable populations are not left behind. 
• Sustainability: This will focus on human-centric approaches that promote sustainable water management practices and protect water resources for future generations. 
• Community Participation: This will involve the role of local communities in planning, implementing, and managing water resources to ensure that their needs and priorities are considered. 
• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): It will discuss the interconnectedness of water with other sectors like agriculture, energy, and sanitation. 
• Addressing Water Scarcity and Pollution: A human-centric approach will address water scarcity and pollution through efficient water use, water conservation measures, and wastewater treatment. 
• Technology and Innovation: It leverages technology and innovation to improve water management practices, such as water purification, desalination, and smart irrigation systems. 
• Monitoring and Evaluation: It will include regular monitoring and evaluation of water resources to assess their status and the effectiveness of management practices. 
• Education and Awareness: It will promote water literacy and community awareness to foster responsible water use and conservation behaviours. 
• Gender Equality: It will address the gender norms, which reduce rural women’s drudgery in water collection and encourage their participation in water management.
• Policy and Governance: It will advocate the strong water policies and governance frameworks that support sustainable water management. 

This section will also encourage the case studies related to human-centred design in water projects, focusing on community needs and participation, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Education, focusing on fostering a culture that values clean water and sanitation, especially among youth. 

Keywords

• Socio-hydrology, Sustainability, Ethical norms, Water scarcity, Human-centred, Community-based, Human rights, Equity, Gender equality and non-discrimination, Inclusion, Effective Communication, Institutional frameworks, Accountability, Springshed Management

Water governance is critically shaped by water laws, policies, and institutional frameworks, which determine how water is allocated, managed, and protected across competing sectors. Historically, the focus was on irrigation for food security, but evolving demands from urbanization, industry, environmental conservation, and climate resilience have pushed water governance toward Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The shift emphasizes coordinated planning and stakeholder involvement, aligning with global development priorities such as UN SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). These frameworks reflect the need for inclusive, transparent, and accountable water institutions supported by robust legal and policy instruments.

Despite these advancements, numerous challenges persist. Fragmented institutional responsibilities, overlapping regulations, and weak enforcement mechanisms undermine water management at local, regional, and national levels. Transboundary and interstate disputes, groundwater over-extraction, pollution, and urban water stress remain unresolved in many regions. Climate change further amplifies water insecurity by altering precipitation patterns, increasing drought frequency, and intensifying competition over scarce resources. These challenges expose significant gaps in institutional capacity, policy coherence, and the legal adaptability required to respond to dynamic water-related risks.

Water conflicts and inefficiencies are also symptomatic of limited public participation and insufficient integration of science and technology into policy-making. Case studies have shown that participatory water governance, community-led water budgeting, and basin-level institutions can lead to more equitable and sustainable outcomes. However, such approaches require enabling legal environments and institutional support to scale effectively. Moreover, legal frameworks often lag behind evolving hydro-social realities, such as urban sprawl, informal water markets, and ecosystem service needs.

In this context, the theme invites original research articles, review papers, and case studies that address critical issues in water management across community, regional, river basin, and international scales. Submissions may focus on the formulation and evaluation of water laws, policies, and institutional frameworks aimed at improving governance outcomes. Contributions that demonstrate the application of emerging technologies—such as remote sensing, GIS-based watershed modeling, IoT-enabled water monitoring systems, AI/ML-driven decision support tools, and blockchain for transparent water allocation—to enhance policy implementation and institutional performance are particularly encouraged. Additionally, documented success stories of transboundary, inter- and intra-state water dispute resolution, participatory water governance models, and socio-hydrological studies exploring human-water interactions within legal and institutional contexts are welcome. The theme seeks interdisciplinary insights that contribute to building resilient, equitable, and adaptive water governance systems for the future.