Of all major nations, India faces the most serious resource and environmental challenge in the modern era. With nearly a sixth of all people in the world'most of whom are still mired in poverty'India faces an unprecedented water crisis in the next two decades. Today, major urban areas are unable to provide a reliable and regular water supply. Industrial and energy development face water constraints and scarcity of water for irrigation is a leading concern of farmers. Water from underground aquifers, the resource of choice for many in India due to subsidized energy for pumping, provides variable stock and quality. Uncertainty as to what climate change portends for water supply is a concern, and the needs of a still growing population for food will likely determine the shape of the water crisis in the country. Not surprisingly, the rapid depletion of water and inefficient water use are now endemic throughout the country. Absent dramatic coordinated government investments in water infrastructure, governance and agricultural productivity, India will certainly be faced with a turbulent water future. Join the Earth Institute's Water Center, the South Asia Institute at Columbia University, and the Asia Society as we examine how the uncontrolled exploitation of water can be tamed and discuss possible policy reforms in India's water sector to ensure a sustainable supply of water in the country. The panel discussion launches a four-day conference and series of work sessions aimed at addressing water security in India. Key Note Speaker: Alok Sikka, Technical Expert, National Rainfed Area Authority; Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India Panelists: Abhiram Seth, Managing Director, Aquagri Processing Pvt. Ltd. Nicholas Dirks, Vice President for Arts and Sciences, Franz Boas Professor of Anthropology, Professor of History, Columbia University Krishna Kumar, Scientist E, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology; Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India