A one-day workshop on “Narmada River Basin Management: Issues and Challenges” was held on 14th July 2024 at IIT Indore, bringing together policymakers, scientists, environmentalists, and community leaders to address the complex and evolving challenges of the Narmada River Basin. The workshop marked the inauguration of the Centre for Narmada River Basin Management Studies (cNarmada) and featured expert lectures, community case studies, and collaborative discussions. Participants explored critical topics such as ecological restoration, forest commons, governance frameworks, water conservation, pollution control, and the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge systems. The event emphasized sustainable development through interdisciplinary research, grassroots engagement, and data-driven strategies, reaffirming the collective commitment to restore and conserve one of India’s most culturally and environmentally significant river systems.

Key Outcomes:

  • Inaugurated the Centre for Narmada River Basin Management Studies (cNarmada) to lead scientific research and policy integration for basin-wide sustainability.
  • Highlighted community-led ecosystem restoration initiatives, particularly those by Adivasi groups in Alirajpur, showcasing traditional conservation practices.
  • Emphasized the importance of forest commons and nature-based solutions for enhancing water retention, soil health, and climate resilience.
  • Discussed water governance reforms and the need for robust regulatory structures to manage pollution, land use, and ecological degradation.
  • Promoted collaborative river management strategies combining science, local knowledge, digital tools, and stakeholder partnerships for long-term resilience.