Govt launches Rs 200 crore MAHA Water Mission to support startups

Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil has said  that “Jal is the hallmark of our civilization” and development. He stressed that addressing emerging water challenges requires a three-pronged approach of research, technological innovation and Jan Bhagidari. Highlighting the Ministry’s efforts in promoting research and innovation. He was addressing the National Workshop on R&D in Water in New delhi on Monday. He  noted that over 315 R&D projects have been undertaken in the water sector.
 for Science & Technology Dr Dr. Jitendra Singh, in his address,underscored the importance of a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approach involving academia, industry, MSMEs and startups for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Dr Singh also launched a MAHA Water Mission, a Rs 200 crore programme. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Ministry of Jal Shakti will jointly run the Mission. Dr Singh  said that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is democratising research funding by expanding opportunities for startups, MSMEs, universities and innovators. ANRF, ensures that national missions, scientific resources and innovation support are no longer confined to a limited number of institutions, he added.
Over 500 stakeholders from government, academia, research institutions, industry, MSMEs and startups to deliberate on strengthening India's water research and innovation ecosystem for achieving water security and climate resilience.The MAHA Water Mission has been conceived as a national platform to accelerate innovation in the water sector by connecting science, entrepreneurship, industry, academia and grassroots action.
The event also witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Space/ISRO, besides the launch of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, Citizen Tracking and Reporting (JSJB-CTR) Portal and App.