Sham Chaudhary seeks public involvement in preservation of JK’s precious water resources  

UDHAMPUR: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Chaudhary today called upon the people to supplement the efforts of the government to make the state clean and preserve its precious water resources.

“It is the collective responsibility of both the government machinery and common masses to conserve water, keep the surroundings clean, which help in preventing contamination and water borne diseases,” the Minister said at the inauguration of District Level Advocacy Workshop organized at Conference Hall of DC Office here.

“Unless people develop a sense of belonging towards their surroundings and environment, the dream of Clean India cannot be made a reality,” he said and sought cooperation of the people, both at individual and collective levels, in keeping their surroundings clean.

Emphasizing that the objective of PHE department is to provide clean drinking water to every household in the State, the Minister said new water Supply Schemes are being developed in rural areas of the State for streamlining the supply.

The department would make available Water Testing Kits at village level, the Minister said, adding that every district has a water testing lab where people can get their drinking water tested for any kind of contamination.

He also appreciated the role of students, volunteers and AWWs in creating awareness about water conservation through skits, songs and other cultural programmes. The documentaries on water conservation and proper hand washing techniques were also presented on the occasion.

District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Niraj Kumar, Chief Engineer, PHE Susheel Aima, Chief Engineer RTIC H. C Jerath, Executive Director, CCDU Rajeev Malhotra, PO – ICDS Rakesh Badyal, CMO Dr. Chander Prakesh, CEO Bishan Singh, besides representatives of various schools were present in the workshop.

Later in the day, the Minister inaugurated a lane constructed at the cost of Rs. 6 lakh by Rural Development Department at Jassore in Suchetgarh.