India
Between May and August 2001, various institutions within India have hosted more than seven multistakeholder meetings: in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Shillong, Khedi Madhya Pradesh, Pune, Maharashtra and Ranchi Jharkhand. These meetings were organised by a range of independent organisations.
The Delhi meeting on 26 May 2001 was organised by the Institute of Economic Growth, and was attended by the Central Water Commission, State irrigation departments, Central Planning Commission, Central Power Coorporation, Political leaders, Academic and research institutions, Professional Organisations, NGOs and independent members. Mixed reactions on the report were expressed and debated at the meeting. At the close of the meeting the Government organisations and NGOs were encouraged to respond to the recommendations of the Report and to suggest a process, involving the Planning Commission, to take the WCD process further.
DDP were requested to provide information materials on the WCD for a meeting of 35 Area Water Partnerships (AWP) in Nagpur, India on 27-29 September 2002. Global Water Partnership - South Asia Technical Advisory Committee sponsored the workshop. Nearly 35 AWPs are participating from a number of South Asia Countries.
A NGO comprising professionals in the water sector, Dams and Development Council of India, has also been established in Pune in response to the heightened awareness of the issues. UNEP has initiated a discussion with relevant government agencies to identify how the discussions can be taken forward recognising the diverse opinions expressed about the WCD report.
The Planning Commission has joined the Dams and Development Forum.
