Innovations, Policy, and Community Resilience
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).
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.
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.
Professor Chair, IIT Kanpur
Former Secretary, DST India
Former President, INSA
Institute Professor, IIT Madras
Director, Institute of Membrane Research,
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Germany
Professor, University of Hamburg , Germany
Director, Technology & Field Services,
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) India
Waterman of India
Tarun Bharat Sangh NGO
Pondman of India
Say Earth NGO
All fees include 18% GST. Payment by online transfer only. Registration closes 10 October 2026.
| 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 |
*Registration is without accommodation
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.
Local travel between Jodhpur City and IIT Jodhpur:
Use coupon code ICWS2026 for discounts:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.