40+ water experts from 17 states to brainstorm Vidarbha’s agrarian crisis

Nagpur: Over 40 water conservation experts, researchers and grassroots activists from 17 states across the country will participate in the ‘Nagpur Jalsamvad-2026' conference beginning Sunday, with a major focus on finding region-specific solutions to Vidarbha's agrarian and water crisis. The national-level conference, being organised as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, will bring together experts from north, south, east and west India, including several Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardees, besides internationally recognised water conservationists working at the grassroots level. Speaking to TOI, water rights activist Sachin Kulkarni from Washim district said the conference aims to move beyond symbolic discussions and create a long-term framework for practical interventions. "The discussions will particularly focus on the varying nature of water and farming distress across Vidarbha. The problems of Yavatmal and Amravati are different from those in Buldhana or Washim. Every cluster has its own challenges related to water, crops, groundwater and farmer suicides. A single solution cannot work everywhere," he said. According to Kulkarni, people have been asked to submit resolutions and suggestions on policy reforms, innovative water conservation concepts and sustainable agricultural practices. "We have asked those living and facing the problems on the ground — people, to share what changes are needed in policies and what new concepts can reduce the crisis. Policies framed in air-conditioned offices without understanding ground realities rarely succeed," he said.The organisers plan to continue the exercise throughout the year, with follow-up meetings and documentation aimed at creating a long-term roadmap for Vidarbha. Kulkarni also highlighted Nagpur's unique geographical and geological significance as one of the reasons for hosting the conference in the city. "Nagpur is like a laboratory for groundwater studies. Five different geological rock formations exist within this region, including Archean rocks, Gondwana formations, Lameta beds, Deccan Trap and alluvial formations. Each affects groundwater recharge differently," he said.He added that Nagpur's central location in the country and its geological diversity make it an ideal centre for research, documentation and policy discussions related to water management. Union minister Nitin Gadkari will preside over the conference on Sunday at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Civil Lines. On Monday, actors Aamir Khan, Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure are set to attend the ‘Jalkranti' programme at Kavi Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Reshimbagh.