Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Crucial Role in Water Management: A Legacy of Social Justice and Sustainable Development

Abstract: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, made significant contributions to water management in India. His work extended beyond social reform and legal frameworks, encompassing the development of sustainable water resource systems. Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi also called Dr. Ambedkar the architect of the water and river navigation policy in India during his inaugural speech at the Maritime Investment Summit 2016 in Mumbai. This paper explores Ambedkar's role in shaping water management policies, his emphasis on equitable distribution, and his efforts to integrate water conservation with social justice. By analysing his contributions to irrigation, dam construction, and water governance, this study highlights how Ambedkar's ideas remain relevant in addressing contemporary water management challenges