India water governance model offers lessons for the Global South

A new study launched at IIM Bangalore examines India’s 25-year water governance journey, tracing its origins to reforms initiated in Gujarat under Narendra Modi. The research highlights how the Gujarat model, characterized by the Narmada-based water grid and community-led institutions like the Water and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO), has served as a blueprint for national initiatives.

Prime Minister Modi has presented these governance experiences as a reference for the Global South, emphasizing that water security requires more than physical infrastructure; it necessitates political leadership, public financing, and community participation. A key success cited is the Jal Jeevan Mission, which expanded rural tap-water connections from approximately 3.23 crore households in 2019 to 15.91 crore by August 2026.

Experts suggest that these strategies, including river basin management and water conservation, could be adapted to address drought crises in other regions, such as Maharashtra. The study underscores the importance of shifting focus from merely building infrastructure to ensuring long-term service reliability and local management.