What does it take to make an entire district water-resilient? Sometimes, it starts with bringing the right people to the same table.

Under the Resource Access and Equity (RAE) programme, Development Alternatives convened a multi-stakeholder workshop, “Making Niwari Water Resilient by 2030,” on 28 September 2026 at TARAgram, Orchha. The workshop brought together 60 representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), Water User Groups, government departments and civil society organisations, including Parmarth, Srijan and Say Trees.

The discussions centred on an important shift in thinking: water resilience cannot be built through isolated interventions. Drinking water supply, groundwater recharge and greywater management are closely connected, and each plays a role in building a more sustainable water system.

Stakeholders discussed challenges faced on the ground, including gaps in pipelines, tap connections, water pressure and regular service delivery. The participation of Jal Jeevan Mission and Public Health Engineering officials provided an opportunity to bring these concerns into direct dialogue and explore mechanisms for grievance registration and follow-up.

The workshop also highlighted that infrastructure alone cannot guarantee water security. Strong Panchayats, active VWSCs and Water User Groups, community participation, regular operation and maintenance, and coordination across departments are equally important to ensure that water systems continue to serve communities effectively.

By bringing government, communities and civil society together, the workshop created space for shared learning, coordinated action and greater local ownership.

The shared vision is: a water-resilient Niwari by 2030, where water is managed as a shared and connected resource rather than in silos.