Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil leads talks on water security, conservation
New Delhi, July 13
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil on Monday discussed measures to further strengthen the country's water security through water conservation and enhancing water use efficiency in irrigation at a national conference.
Interacting with officials at the All-India Conference of Senior Most Secretaries of Water Resources Departments of states and Union Territories at Chanakya Hall in Sushma Swaraj Bhawan here, Patil also took stock of measures for advancing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Catch the Rain" resolve through public participation.
In a message on X, Patil said, "Special emphasis was laid on strengthening the country's water security further through water conservation, enhancing water use efficiency in irrigation, dam safety, improvements in water governance, use of modern technology, and better coordination among states."
"I am confident that the deliberations in this conference and the related suggestions will give a new momentum to reforms in the country's water sector and play an important role in the direction of more effective and scientific management of water resources," said Patil.
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Catch the Rain" initiative, an innovative effort is underway in Navsari under the Water Storage Public Participation Campaign to conserve rainwater and channel it to groundwater through recharge borewells, he said.
"These structures, built by the district administration and public collaboration, are preventing rainwater from going to waste and continuously enriching the groundwater level," he said.
This campaign is a powerful testament that when administration and society work hand in hand, every drop becomes a precious asset for the future, said Patil.
The Conference formed part of the Ministry of Jal Shakti's continued efforts to enhance sustainable water resources management through improved policy coordination, institutional strengthening, efficient project implementation, enhanced dam safety and greater community participation in water conservation.
It aimed to strengthen Centre-state coordination on priority initiatives in the Water Resources sector and review the progress of major national programmes of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, a statement said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see the government taking water security seriously. But I wonder how many of these plans actually reach the village level? In my hometown in Tamil Nadu, we've been promised water recharge projects for years but nothing happens. Focus on maintenance and monitoring, not just big conferences!
The Navsari example is inspiring! When administration and community work together, real change happens. We need similar models in every district - not just words, but actual structures like recharge borewells. Every drop counts, especially in our water-stressed country. Jai Hind! 🙏
As someone who's worked on water projects in India, I appreciate the emphasis on technology and dam safety. But one thing that's often missing is data transparency. Open access to groundwater levels and water usage would help everyone plan better. Good first step, but let's push for more!
Water security isn't just about government plans - it's about changing our habits. From rainwater harvesting at home to not wasting water in daily chores. The "Catch the Rain" resolve needs citizen participation, not just official meetings. Proud to see India taking this seriously! 🌧️💪
While I support the initiative, I'm skeptical about the focus on 'enhancing water use efficiency in irrigation' without addressing the real issues: subsidized power leading to over-extraction of groundwater, and monoculture farming that depletes water tables. We need holistic reform, not just tech fixes. Just my two paise!
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