The Water Conference 2024 was a landmark event organized by Friends of Bharathapuzha at Ahalia Institute, Palakkad. The conference was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Sri Pinarayi Vijayan, and chaired by Padma Vibhushan Shri E. Sreedharan. The presidential address was delivered by Shri Krishnan Kutty, Minister of Electricity, Government of Kerala. The event drew approximately 400 attendees, reflecting the widespread concern and commitment towards addressing the water crisis in the region.

The conference featured key technical sessions presented by eminent experts including Dr. E.J. James, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Karunya University; Sri Nizamudeen A., IAS, Mission Director of MGNREGS; Dr. Manoj Samuel, Director of CWRDM, Kozhikode; and Dr. P.R. Sreemahadevan Pillai, Director of Ahalia Group of Academic Institutions. These sessions laid a strong technical foundation for the discussions that followed.

Thematic discussions covered a wide range of critical subjects including agriculture and traditional practices, law, policy and water rights, climate, forests and catchment areas, youth, gender and NGO case studies, and water industry technology and sustainable practices. A particularly noteworthy contribution came from Retired Deputy Directors of Agriculture, Shrimati Rukmani R and Shrimati Bindu Vasumathy, who emphasized the prioritization of catchment area replenishment and micro watershed management within sub-basins.

The conference also featured vibrant exhibitions including displays of books and periodicals, the Kunjikuzhi project model, water photography by Ranjith Madhavan, and the Vayalkazhchakal photo exhibition by Kole Birders Collective — offering participants a rich and immersive experience. Group presentations and cultural events marked a memorable closing ceremony.

The event provided a valuable platform to connect with distinguished personalities including Shri Tomas Lowrance from Save Wetlands International Movement (SWIM), Tony Thomas (One Life One Earth), Dr. P. Pramod (Principal Senior Scientist, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History), and Sajeesh Vaikhari (Quality Control Lab, Kerala Water Authority), along with representatives from the Palakkad Natural History Society and various environment and nature conservation groups.

The Water Conference 2024 served as the foundation for the subsequent launch of the Jala Mission Palakkad 2030, reaffirming FOB’s commitment to securing a water-resilient future for Palakkad district.