Archana Varma assumes charge as Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
Ms. Archana Varma has assumed charge as Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti; she is a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Assam cadre. Previously, she served as the Mission Director of the National Water Mission (NWM) since September 2022 and contributed to expanding initiatives linked to the 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain'. The Ministry of Jal Shakti was formed in May 2019 through the merger of the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and it oversees programs such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange. This appointment is significant in the context of water security, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), water conservation, river conservation, groundwater management, and good governance; Archana Varma has also served as Additional Secretary at the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
Ms. Archana Varma has assumed charge as Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. This appointment is significant for the administrative framework governing water, river conservation, and water security in India.
Administrative Background
Archana Varma is a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Assam cadre. Prior to assuming the role of Secretary, she served as the Mission Director of the National Water Mission (NWM) starting in September 2022. Given her background, her administrative experience in the fields of water management and conservation is considered significant.
National Water Mission and ‘Catch the Rain’
As the Mission Director of the National Water Mission, she played a role in expanding the scope of the mission's initiatives, particularly those linked to the 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain' (JSA–CTR). This initiative connects to key themes such as water conservation, rainwater harvesting, water demand management, and public participation.
Formation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti
The Ministry of Jal Shakti was formed in May 2019 through the merger of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Its objective is to bring various aspects related to water in the country under an integrated administrative framework. The Ministry is involved in the implementation of key programs such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Namami Gange program.
Significance for India's Water Security
Increasing pressure on water resources, groundwater exploitation, uneven rainfall, water pollution, and climate change pose serious challenges to India's water security. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an integrated approach—encompassing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), river conservation, water conservation, and the availability of drinking water. In this context, the role of the Ministry of Jal Shakti is crucial for both sustainable development and water security.
Other Administrative Experience
Archana Verma also served as Additional Secretary at the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), where she handled vigilance matters pertaining to the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This experience is significant in the context of good governance, administrative accountability, and institutional transparency.
