MAHA Water Mission: Objectives, Funding, Focus Areas and Significance

Why in News:

The Union Minister of Science & Technology recently launched the MAHA Water Mission.

Mission Objectives

• It serves as a national platform linking science, industry, startups, academia, and communities.
• The mission promotes innovations from laboratory research to field-level deployment.
• It aims to strengthen India's long-term water security through scalable solutions.

Priority Focus Areas

• It focuses on water resource assessment and sustainable management.
• It promotes innovations in drinking water supply.
• It addresses water quality and ecological health concerns.
• It supports water-use efficiency and circular economy practices.
• It strengthens climate resilience and adaptation in the water sector.

Funding and Institutional Framework

• The mission has an outlay of ₹200 crore for five years.
• Funding is jointly provided by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Selected multidisciplinary consortia can receive support of up to ₹20 crore.

Innovation and Policy Relevance

• The programme supports universities, national laboratories, startups, MSMEs, and industry partners.
• It promotes technology validation and deployment for critical water challenges.