Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil highlighted the urgent impact of climate change on global water cycles during a statement on Tuesday. He emphasized that these changes are increasing risks to vulnerable ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Himalayas. To address these challenges, Patil called for advancements in scientific research, enhanced monitoring systems, timely early warnings, and improved preparedness measures.
“We need better science, stronger monitoring, timely early warnings and better preparedness,” Patil said in his inaugural speech at the 9th India International Water Week 2026 on the theme, Climate Resilient Water Management. The minister said the most important requirement was for countries and regions to learn from each other’s experiences and work together to deal with emerging water risks. Patil said climate change was rapidly altering the water cycle, with some areas witnessing excessive rainfall, others receiving too little, and rainfall sometimes failing to occur when it was most needed. Patil said real-time data, satellite information, improved forecasting and artificial intelligence could strengthen decision-making on floods, groundwater, reservoirs and irrigation.
