A two-day workshop on “Narmada River Basin Management Studies (NRBMS)” was conducted on 16th–17th January 2025 at IIT Indore, under the aegis of the Centre for Narmada River Basin Management Studies (cNarmada). The workshop brought together researchers, professionals, community leaders, and policymakers to address the ecological, hydrological, and social challenges of the Narmada River Basin. Through expert lectures, panel discussions, and grassroots case studies, the event emphasized integrated river basin management, sustainable water practices, sediment control, community-driven conservation, and technological innovations. The initiative aimed to foster collaborative solutions to rejuvenate the river, balance environmental needs with development, and ensure long-term ecological resilience.

Key Outcomes of the Workshop:

  • Advocated for integrated and decentralized river basin management, emphasizing ecological flow, localized interventions, and sustainable water use.
  • Highlighted community-led conservation models, including eco-friendly idol-making, tree plantation, and grassroots river rejuvenation projects.
  • Addressed sedimentation and groundwater challenges through presentations on the Upper Tapi recharge project and sediment bypass systems.
  • Promoted the use of nature-based solutions alongside technological innovations for water treatment, pollution control, and ecological restoration.
  • Encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration among academic institutions, NGOs, and local stakeholders for data-driven, inclusive river basin governance.