Adaptation Planning for India's Water Sector Under Climate Change : Compendium of Proceedings of the Two-Day National Workshop.

Abstract

Adaptation Planning for India's Water Sector under Climate Change" during 21-22 August 2025. The workshop brought together eminent experts, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and representatives from national institutions to deliberate on the emerging challenges and strategic priorities for climate adaptation in the water sector. Over the course of two days, seven technical sessions were convened, spanning themes such as flood risk reduction, drought resilience, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), rainfall-induced landslides, cyclone-resilient infrastructure, coastal flooding and sea-level rise, and importantly a dedicated session on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in water-sector adaptation. This compendium presents a structured documentation of the rich discussions, perspectives, and recommendations offered by the moderators and panellists across all sessions. Their insights reflect decades of collective experience of experts in hydrology, climate science, disaster risk reduction, community resilience, and policy design. As India advances towards the formulation of its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) -a process guided by global adaptation mandates under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement- the knowledge captured here is both timely and essential. It contributes to strengthening adaptation planning, enhancing institutional capacities, and informing evidence-based decision-making at national and sub-national levels. The compendium is intended to serve as a knowledge resource for researchers, government agencies, technical working groups, practitioners, and young professionals engaged in climateresilient water management. It conveys key risks, sector-specific vulnerabilities, and potential adaptation pathways that can support national and regional planning processes. Through informed dialogue and crossdisciplinary engagement, the workshop reinforces NIH's commitment to advancing scientific understanding and supporting national efforts in developing climate-resilient water resource strategies.