Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India organises an annual policy and technology showcase event India Water Week. This event is a genuine step by the government of India towards the preservation and optimum utilization of the water resources so that each individual could access to clean drinking water.
The 2016 India Water Week was based on the theme Water for All: Striving Together. Politicians, experts, President of India Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, Sushri Uma Bharti Ji Union Minister for Water Resources and many other dignitaries became a part of the event and spoke for the cause. The motive behind it is to provide adequate amount of water to all the sectors.
Rajasthan known as the most arid state has been facing water scarcity since ages. Chief Minister of the largest of the country, Smt. Vasundhara Raje one of the speakers at the event talked about the facts so far and how the state government is doing every bit possible to eradicate water scarcity from the state.
She told that drought has always been a part of Rajasthan. The state occupies 5.5% of the total population of the country but only has an access to 1.6% of the total land water in India. Talking about the importance of water for the state and the schemes implemented by the government, she said, “We need to appreciate that water as a resource is finite. It is such understanding that has helped us re-draw our strategies in water management. We have set up in Rajasthan the Rajasthan River Basin & Water Resources Planning Authority. This authority is looking at all aspects of water management. For effective management of water resources, we are in the process of harmonizing water laws, installing information systems and carrying out large scale IEC activities.”
She said that water management is of utmost importance not only for the present but also to insure that the future generation shall never be deprived of water. She said that the state government’s philosophy of water management can easily be seen in the new water scheme Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abiyan that has been lately launched in the state. She added, “The immediate objective of this campaign is to make villages self reliant in water. The campaign has organic connect with all sections of society. Activities include restoration and repair of existing water harvesting structures, construction of Minor Irrigation Tanks, Anicuts, Talabs, Johads, soil & moisture conservation activities and others structures that obstruct surface flow and promote ground water recharge.”
CM Raje further explained that the Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan has so many different features and she believes that a revolution would be soon seen in the state. The Abhiyan is based on Participatory scientific planning which involves watershed principles and water budgeting for each micro watershed. Talking about the contributions and the amount of money so far has been invested in the project, she said, She said, “Contributions are welcomed in form of cash, kind, time, labour, supply of equipment and material. I am proud to share with you that works amounting to Rs. 250 million have been initiated with support from the general public, corporate houses, religious institutions, social groups, media houses, businesses and the defence forces.” She also thanked the ministry for their extended support throughout. She added, “We are thankful to the Ministry for the support extended to CAD Projects in Gang, Bhakhra System, Micro-Irrigation Projects in IGNP and the Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihoods and Restructuring Projects.”
The people of the state only look forward to what the Rajasthan Government has planned next and how far will it be able to implement the same. The citizen though hope that the Rajasthan as a state shall keep moving forward towards preserving, conserving and optimum utilization of water so as to insure that each individual has access to clean drinking water and also adequate water supply to each home.
