Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the

Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment in the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (22 February – 23 March 2021) delivered by

Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India

(Geneva, 03 March 2021)

Madam President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. The report is timely and merits our attention for the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals.

Madam President,

India, home to nearly 17% of the world’s population, has 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. Due to the limitation on availability of and the rising demand for water, sustainable development of water resources is critically important. A National Water Mission has been launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change for conservation of water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution. A Composite Water Management Index has been introduced as a tool to assess and improve the performance in efficient management of water resources. A campaign for water conservation and water security is being implemented in water stressed districts of the country. A nationwide repository of water resources data, based on real time data, has also been established.

National conservation programs are being implemented for river rejuvenation, conservation of lakes and wetlands. Last month, India dedicated its first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management in Chennai.

India has set itself the target of providing tap water Connection to every rural household by 2024. Nearly 17% of rural households had tap water connection in August 2019. I am happy to state that, as on date, this number has more than doubled.

We are committed to the realisation of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment for our people.

I thank you, Madam President. 

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