At the recent G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, India took center stage by showcasing its major programs aimed at improving sanitation and water accessibility. The meeting, which focused on global development issues, saw Secretary Dammu Ravi from India’s Ministry of External Affairs leading the delegation.
India’s presentation highlighted several key initiatives that reflect the country’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water and sanitation. Among the programs discussed were the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which started in 2014, has made significant progress in improving sanitation across India. This program aims to eliminate open defecation and has been successful in expanding access to sanitation facilities throughout the country. Secretary Ravi emphasized how this initiative has transformed sanitation infrastructure and improved public health.
Another major initiative, the Jal Jeevan Mission, was introduced in 2019 to provide piped water to every household in rural areas by 2024. This mission seeks to enhance water accessibility and ensure that every Indian household has a reliable water supply.
The AMRUT mission, which focuses on urban areas, aims to upgrade basic infrastructure, including water supply and sewage management. This program is designed to improve living conditions in cities and towns by enhancing urban infrastructure and ensuring better management of water resources.
In addition to showcasing these national programs, India also underscored its role in supporting other developing countries. Through various development cooperation initiatives, India has been actively involved in assisting nations in the Global South with their water and sanitation needs.
The G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting concluded with the adoption of the G20 Ministerial Call to Action. This call to action emphasizes the need to strengthen drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services globally. The commitment from all participating nations highlights a collective effort to address these critical issues on an international scale.
Brazil, which is currently holding the G20 presidency, will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19, 2024. The summit will bring together leaders from the 19 member countries and representatives from the African Union and the European Union to discuss and coordinate on various global issues.
Overall, India’s active participation and leadership at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting reflect its dedication to advancing global water and sanitation efforts while continuing to make strides in its own national programs.
Comments