IIT Jodhpur · DESE · Rajasthan, India

International Conference
on Water Sustainability

Innovations, Policy, and Community Resilience

ICWS 2026 · October 28 – 30, 2026
Organized by Department of Environmental and Sustainability Engineering (DESE), IIT Jodhpur


The selected high-quality papers from ICWS 2026 will be published in ‘Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering’, Publisher: Springer (Approved).

We are excited to announce 10 Best Poster prizes from the ACS:

  • - Five awards are sponsored by ACS ES&T Water
  • - Five awards are sponsored by ACS ES&T Engineering

The winners of these awards will receive complimentary ACS memberships.

Bridging ancient wisdom with modern science and technology

Water is central to sustainable development, influencing ecosystems, human well-being, food security, and economic growth. In Rajasthan, particularly across the Thar Desert, communities have historically adapted to water scarcity through ingenious and climate-resilient systems such as baoris (stepwells), tankas (underground storage tanks), johads (village ponds), and jheels (lakes). These traditional water-harvesting structures not only ensured survival in one of the world’s harshest environments but also enabled cultural and architectural grandeur, reflected in the region’s iconic palaces and heritage landscapes.

Today, Rajasthan faces escalating water challenges driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and unsustainable groundwater extraction. These pressures are contributing to declining water tables, deteriorating water quality, and increasing salinity. Addressing such complex challenges demands an integrated approach, one that harmonizes time-tested traditional knowledge with modern scientific innovations, robust policy frameworks, and inclusive governance.

International Conference on Water Sustainability : Innovations, Policy, and Community Resilience (ICWS 2026) seeks to serve as a dynamic platform bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and community stakeholders. The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and actionable solutions by bridging indigenous practices with cutting-edge science and technology. ICWS aligns with the National Missions and Global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

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IIT Jodhpur

Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur), established in 2008, is an Institute of National Importance dedicated to excellence in education, research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in Rajasthan, a region characterized by arid and semi-arid climatic conditions, the institute actively engages in developing sustainable and technology-driven solutions to address regional and global challenges. Through its focus on research, innovation, and societal impact, IIT Jodhpur promotes advancements in areas including water sustainability, environmental resilience, and resource management. The institute continues to foster collaborations among academia, industry, policymakers, and communities to create meaningful and sustainable change.

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DESE — Dept. of Environmental & Sustainability Engineering

Building on a strong foundation of sustainability, the institute established a dedicated Department of Environmental and Sustainability Engineering (DESE) in 2026. The department will integrate existing and new research, teaching, and outreach activities for sustainable development. The department will catalyze the integration of emerging and existing activities, enabling the institute to leverage its unique geographic location in the Thar desert by harnessing traditional knowledge and indigenous practices alongside state-of-the-art scientific and technological research, while simultaneously demonstrating meaningful, ground-level impact in surrounding communities. Overall, the department will serve as a vibrant hub for knowledge creation, capacity building, and leadership development, nurturing the next generation of sustainability professionals and changemakers. Further, it will contribute to the development of holistic policy interventions through multi-stakeholder engagement, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Government of India’s sustainability initiatives.

Themes of ICWS 2026

01
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Water Quality, Treatment and Circular Water Systems

  • Desalination and membrane technology
  • Emerging contaminants and public health
  • Water and wastewater treatment, and resource recovery
02
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Climate Change and Water Security

  • Climate resilience and adaptation strategies
  • Drought and flood risk management and hydro-climatic modeling
  • Aquifer mapping and recharge strategies
03
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Water Resource Management and Governance

  • Smart water systems and digital innovations
  • Transboundary water governance, policy framework and institutional reforms
  • Sustainable surface and groundwater management
04
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Nature-Based Solutions and Traditional Knowledge

  • Indigenous water conservation practices
  • Art-based interventions for water
  • Community participation and capacity building
05
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Agriculture and Water Use Efficiency

  • Sustainable irrigation practices
  • Nexus of water–energy–food systems
  • Desert water systems and salinity management

Key Dates

15 June 2026
Call for Papers Opens
10 August 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline
Early Bird
15 Aug – 10 Sep 2026
Early Bird Registration
Early Bird - Extended
11 – 15 Sep 2026
Early Bird Registration
25 August 2026
Abstract Acceptance Notification
15 Sep – 10 Oct 2026
Standard Registration
15 October 2026
Technical Program Announcement
Conference
28 – 30 October 2026
ICWS 2026 — IIT Jodhpur

Guests of Honor

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma

Padma Shri Prof. Ashutosh Sharma

Professor Chair, IIT Kanpur
Former Secretary, DST India
Former President, INSA

Prof. Thalappil Pradeep

Padma Shri Prof. Thalappil Pradeep

Institute Professor, IIT Madras

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma

Prof. Volker Abetz

Director, Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Germany
Professor, University of Hamburg , Germany

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma

Shri Vikram Saxena

Director, Technology & Field Services,
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) India

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma

Shri Rajendra Singh

Waterman of India
Tarun Bharat Sangh NGO

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma

Shri Ramveer Tanwar

Pondman of India
Say Earth NGO

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Our Speakers

Please Click here

Patron
Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal
Director, IIT Jodhpur
Convener
Assistant Professor, DESE
IIT Jodhpur

Advisory Committee

Padma Shri Prof. Thalappil Pradeep
Padma Shri Prof. Thalappil Pradeep
Institute Professor, IIT Madras
Patron
Prof. Bhabani Kumar Satapathy
Deputy Director, IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Prof. Sampat Raj Vadera
Advisor to the Director, IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Prof. Meenu Chhabra
Head, DESE, IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Prof. Pradip Kumar Tewari
Jal Jeevan Mission, Professor Chair, IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Prof. Dr. Volker Abetz
University of Hamburg
Patron
Prof. Nalin Shinghal
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Prof. Tamar Segal-Peretz
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology,Israel
Patron
Prof. Mahesh Kumar
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Prof. Deepak Swami
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Shobhana Singh
IIT Jodhpur

Organizing Committee

Patron
Dr. Anugya Shukla
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Bhivraj Suthar
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Chandana N.
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Monika Dubey
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Farhat Naz
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Mayank Suman
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Saran Aadhar
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Vikky Anand
IIT Jodhpur
Patron
Dr. Sangeeth S. Pillai
MNIT Jaipur

Registration Fees


Category Without Accommodation With Accommodation
Indian Students ₹ 3,000 ₹ 5,900
Foreign Students $ 150 $ 350
Indian Academic Delegates ₹ 5,900 ₹ 10,900
Foreign Academic Delegates $ 200 $ 450
Non-Academic Participants ₹ 10,900 ₹ 14,160



Format Presentation Q & A Total time
Plenary lecture 30 min 10 min 40 min
Keynote lecture 20 min 5 min 25 min
Invited lecture 15 min 5 min 20 min
Contributed/oral talk 8 min 3 min 10 min

Sponsorship Tiers


*Registration is without accommodation

Getting to IIT Jodhpur

IIT Jodhpur is located at Karwar on NH-62 (Nagaur Road), about 25 km from Jodhpur Airport and 24 km from Jodhpur Railway Station.

Jodhpur is well connected to major Indian cities through regular flights, railway services, and national highways. Visitors can reach the campus conveniently by air, train, private vehicle, or bus, followed by a taxi or cab from the airport, railway station, or city center. The journey to the campus typically takes 40–45 minutes.

✈ Jodhpur Airport (25 km) 🚂 Railway Station (24 km) 🛣 NH-62 Nagaur Road

Local travel between Jodhpur City and IIT Jodhpur:

  • Institute bus services (Est cost 100 INR/person).
  • Local Bus Service - Bus Route No. 1 (Est cost 50-100 INR/person)
  • E-Rickshaw inside the IIT Campus (+91 80033 02093) (Est cost 20-50 INR/person)
  • Private cab services - Balaji Transportation (+91 74258 79386) (Est cost 750 INR/person))

Nearby Accommodation

Use coupon code ICWS2026 for discounts:

Chandra Grand
Surpura Bagh
Ranbanka Palace
Ajit Bhawan — A Palace Resort
Bal Samand Lake Palace

Places to Visit in Rajasthan

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Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a vibrant city known for its rich royal heritage, magnificent palaces, colorful culture, and stunning architecture. Famous as the "Pink City," it captivates visitors with iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, and City Palace.

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Jaisalmer

Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is famous for its majestic sandstone fort, ornate havelis, and the vast sand dunes of the Thar Desert. It offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and desert adventures.

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Udaipur

Often called the City of Lakes, Udaipur is renowned for its beautiful lakes & royal palaces. Its rich heritage and romantic charm make it one of Rajasthan's most popular tourist destinations.

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Mount Abu

Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu is known for its pleasant climate and the famous Dilwara Jain Temples. It provides a refreshing escape from the desert terrain of the region.

For Any Information, Please Contact Us

For abstract submission and registration related queries:
Sushma Kumari
Sushma Kumari
Mail ID: p23et0002@iitj.ac.in
Pramadha S
Pramadha S
Mail ID: p24et0007@iitj.ac.in
For accommodation and travel related queries:
Sahdev Choudhary
Sahdev Choudhary
Mail ID: p23et0003@iitj.ac.in
Mobile No.: 7727970072
Arpita Gaur
Arpita Gaur
Mail ID: p25et0002@iitj.ac.in

Convener, ICWS 2026 acknowledges Mr. Avinash Bhagat, Mr. Siddhant Hendry, Miss Ojashvi Sharma (interns at Sustainable Water Technologies Lab) for their kind support in development of the conference website and brochure.

Contact Us

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Email
icws@iitj.ac.in
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Organized by
DESE, IIT Jodhpur
Karwar, NH-62, Rajasthan
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Conference Dates
October 28 – 30, 2026
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