‘Integrated approach for conserving water is beneficial’

‘Integrated approach for conserving water is beneficial’

Pune: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday said that the integrated and holistic approach towards water conservation and water management adopted by the government is beneficial and the government will continue to opt for a similar approach in the future. 

Shekhawat was present in the city at the Induction Training Program (ITP) for newly appointed officers at Central Water Engineering Services at the National Water Academy near Khadakwasla.

The National Water Academy (NWA) Pune is ‘Centre of Excellence’ in the field of Training and Capacity Building in Water Resources Sector. 

NWA caters to the training and capacity building needs of the Central Water Commission (CWC), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti personnel by implementing its Training Policy through its long term, medium-term and short terms programs.

Shekhawat explained the current challenges and the need to change attitude of people towards water management. “We have seen that early civilisations flourished on river banks which explains us the importance of water. Earlier, people had to fetch water from long distance and people valued it. Slowly, the trend changed when people started getting water right in their homes. Now, the time has come when people start using water cautiously,” added Shekhawat.

Explaining the integrated and holistic approach the minister spoke about how sanitation initiatives undertaken by the government has helped in improving the groundwater quality and increase savings of households by reducing their medical costs.

The 31st ITP will be conducted at NWA from August 20, 2019 to February 7, 2020. Forty-Four directly recruited Assistant Directors / Assistant Executive Engineers will be attending this 24 Weeks’ ITP. 

He mentioned that schemes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) play an extremely important role in taking the water revolution in this direction. 

“About a third of India is suffering from drought and another one third from floods, this is where water management comes into picture. If countries like Israel and Cambodia can set an example in water management I am sure India can also take the lead,” added Shekhawat. 

The minister pointed out that agriculture sector is a major consumer of water and stressed on the need to find ways for water conservation. 

Upendra Prasad Singh, IAS, Secretary (WR, RD, and GR) advised the participants about the central role played by CWES officers in achieving the goals of Central Water Commission and Ministry of Jal Shakti to make India Water Secured country in the coming years. 

Arun Kumar Sinha, Chairman, Central Water Commission also addressed the participants and emphasised the need of storages to face the challenge of water scarcity, food security and climate change. Another speaker Yogesh Paithankar, Chief Engineer and Head of the National Water Academy welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the audience about the content and the structure of the Induction Training Program.

The Inaugural Program was attended by the senior officers from Central Water Commission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com