India : Uttar Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project Phase 2

Overview & Synopsis

The project development objective for Uttar Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project Phase 2 was to strengthen the institutional and policy framework for integrated water resources management in the entire State; and to increase agricultural and water productivity by supporting farmers in targeted irrigation areas. This assessment draws the following lessons: (i) Institutional reforms require inclusive stakeholder engagement and sustained political commitment to ensure long-term sustainability. (ii) Effective Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) demands not just strong individual water institutions but also mechanisms for interagency coordination and joint planning. (iii) The successful deployment of modern irrigation technologies underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in addressing water management challenges. (iv) Building participatory institutions like Water Users Association (WUAs) is a long-term process that requires consistent capacity building and institutional backing.