World Water Week 2025

• 30 Aug 2025

Why in News?

World Water Week, a leading global conference on water-related issues, was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 24th - 28th August 2025.

• During the event, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was recognized as a global inspiration for river revival and community-driven efforts.

Key Points

• About: Established in 1991, this event is organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and provides a critical platform for the exchange of knowledge, solutions, and commitments related to water management. 
  • The 2025 edition, marking its 35th year, focused on the theme ‘Water for Climate Action’, highlighting the role of water in tackling climate change and achieving sustainable development.
• India’s Role: During World Water Week 2025, NMCG was part of the session ‘River Cities Reimagined: Climate-Smart and Basin-Centric Urban Development’, which highlighted the role of river-centric urban development in ensuring climate-resilient cities.
  • The session highlighted the benefits of sustainable urban planning and the need for basin-centric approaches that consider the entire river ecosystem.
  • The session was led by NMCG, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Namami Gange Mission

• About: It is a flagship programme for the rejuvenation of the Ganga River and its tributaries by reducing pollution, improving water quality, and restoring the river’s ecosystem. 
• Implementation: Under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) by the winning bidder handles STP development, operation, and maintenance.  
  • 40% of costs are paid post-construction, 60% over the project’s lifespan.

India Water Week (IWW)

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, conceptualized and launched India Water Week in 2012, and it is now organized biannually.
• It is aimed at addressing critical challenges pertaining to water management and fostering innovation in water-related technologies and practices. 
• IWW has evolved into a crucial platform in global water diplomacy, facilitating dialogue, innovation, and knowledge exchange on critical water-related challenges.