Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1991 batch, AGMUT cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti (since October 2023)
🏛️ Administrative Career
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee is a senior IAS officer known for her experience and leadership in water governance and public administration. She currently serves as Secretary in the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, where she oversees national-level initiatives related to river basin management, flood control, inter-state water issues, dam safety, and rejuvenation of key river systems like the Ganga.
Prior to this role, she held the position of Special Secretary in the same department and was elevated to Secretary following the retirement of her predecessor.
📌 Key Responsibilities
In her current capacity, Ms. Mukherjee is responsible for:
- Formulating and implementing policies related to water resource development and conservation
- Coordinating inter-state river water sharing and dispute resolution
- Overseeing statutory and attached offices including the Central Water Commission, Central Ground Water Board, and the National Mission for Clean Ganga
- Supervising programs related to dam rehabilitation, river-linking projects, and sustainable groundwater management
🔍 Major Initiatives & Focus Areas
- Ganga Rejuvenation: Leading the National Mission for Clean Ganga, focused on pollution abatement, ecological restoration, and public participation
- International Cooperation: Represented India at global water forums and G20 environmental meetings, emphasizing cross-border collaboration on water security
- Public–Private Partnerships: Advocated for private sector participation and CSR initiatives in water infrastructure, community-level conservation, and innovation
- India Water Week and Outreach: Spearheaded multi-stakeholder discussions aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive water management practices
📝 Summary
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee brings decades of administrative expertise and a forward-looking approach to India’s water sector. Her leadership as Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation plays a crucial role in shaping policies that ensure sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient water management for the nation.