India's Water Management Model Wins Global Praise, World Bank Calls It a Blueprint for Developing Nations

India's efforts to expand access to clean drinking water, improve sanitation and restore polluted rivers are attracting global attention, with a senior World Bank official describing the country's progress as a model for developing nations.

Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director for Water at the World Bank Group, said India's experience offered practical solutions to countries struggling with water security and sanitation challenges.

"For the World Bank Group, India is a remarkable success story. It's the water journey that every single developing country is looking at," Jha said during a virtual briefing ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

He highlighted three major initiatives, the Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange Programme and Swachh Bharat Mission, as examples of how large-scale programmes could succeed through strong government leadership, adequate funding and public participation.

Praising the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jha said improving drinking water access for 800 million people in less than seven years was a remarkable achievement. He added that the programme was now shifting its focus from expanding coverage to ensuring the sustainability, operation and maintenance of water supply systems.

India's sanitation efforts have also influenced other countries. Jha cited Nigeria's Clean Nigeria campaign as an initiative inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission, adding that several developing nations were looking at India's experience.

He also described the Namami Gange Programme as remarkably successful in reducing pollution and improving the health of the Ganga. The World Bank has supported the National Mission for Clean Ganga through various financing arrangements.

Jha further highlighted World Bank-supported efforts to strengthen the resilience of nearly 900 dams in India, along with initiatives to improve urban water management.

Acknowledging that challenges remained, he said India's progress at both central and state levels offered valuable lessons for other nations.

India is expected to play an active role in the UN Water Conference, scheduled in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. The country is likely to send a high-level delegation and organise a side event on 'river cities', focusing on water security and resilience.