Experts back PPCP, smart water systems to ease Jharkhand water stress

Ranchi: The topography of Jharkhand and rising global temperature is worsening seasonal water scarcity in Jharkhand, which in turn is affecting agriculture and industrial operations. Experts, policymakers and researchers, who gathered in Ranchi to attend water security conference "Sujalam Jharkhand 2026", said large-scale water restoration would need a Public-Private-Community Partnership model integrating govt schemes, corporate funding and local participation. State water resources minister Hafizul Hasan said, "The govt is committed to ensuring water security through different conservation initiatives and integrated planning." Discussions centred on blending traditional systems such as dobhas, ponds and watershed structures with modern tools like IoT-based monitoring, micro-irrigation and smart water sensors. Researchers said Jharkhand's terrain causes exceptionally high rainwater runoff, limiting groundwater retention despite heavy monsoon rainfall. NABARD's Rakesh Sinha said, "While industries are being pushed to reduce their water footprint, farmers are struggling with erratic rainfall and declining groundwater levels. Long-term water security will require convergence of technology, community participation and sustainable resource planning."