Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 26: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma has called for launching a vigorous campaign to aware people about the importance of conservation and judicious use of water through various mediums. He invited valuable suggestions from the civil society and stakeholders for the great cause, which is in the interest of entire society.
Speaking at a day-long seminar on the “Role of Society in Water Conservation” held at Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar, here today where he was chief guest, the Minister said that every individual should extend wholehearted support to the Government for conservation of natural resources, like water, environment, forests, essential for the survival of human being. He said water crisis has been observed globally and coordinated efforts are required to save every drop of water. He said the Government will make a well-knit strategy to conserve water with active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), educational institutions and NGOs.
In order to ensure adequate and systematic drinking water supply in all three regions of the State, the Minister said that Government has taken several initiatives to streamline the overall functioning of PHE Department. An attempt has been made to strengthen the ground level monitoring mechanism to fix the accountability for each individual. The PRIs have been made responsible for supervising management of the water installations falling under their jurisdictions. They will also check the attendance of ground level PHE functionaries before the disbursement of their wages. He said Village Level Sanitation Committees will also be constituted at the earliest to sensitize the people for judicious use of water.
Appreciating the efforts of the National Development Foundation (NDF) for organizing the seminar on the subject, the Minister asked the organizers to extend their activities in every nook and corner to educate the people about water usages and conservation of natural resources. He said Government will restore the traditional water resources for general purposes to save the drinking water.
Minister of State for PHE, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi expressed concern over the growing crisis of water in the State. He stressed the need for greater involvement of PRIs and NGOs to educate the masses about the judicious use of water. He also called upon the society to make collective efforts to save water and all other natural resources for the welfare of the society.
President, NDF, Rajiv Khajuria, in his welcome address threw light on the activities of the organization.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, President Ex-Servicemen League, Dr. C.M. Seth, President, World Wide Fund for Nature India, Chief Engineers, PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Ashwani Sharma, K.K. Gupta also addressed the gathering and shared their views on the subject. They gave valuable suggestions for making judicious use of water.
The folk artists and school children gave message about conservation of water through skits and slogans which enthralled the jam packed audience.
The Minister honoured the Members of NGOs, experts, students and artists on the occasion.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included, former Chief Secretary and Chairman, Water Regulatory Authority, S S Kapur, ADGP Armed, Dr. S. M. Sahai, IG, SSG, H.K. Lohia, President CCI, Y.V. Sharma, Principal Women College, Gandhi Nagar, Prof. Kiran Bakshi, besides large number of Sarpanchs, Members of NGOs, prominent citizens, senior officers of PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, teachers and school children.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
