World Water Day 2022 Celebrations with the theme “Groundwater-Making the Invisible Visible
New Delhi, Mar 22: On the occasion of World Water Day, the National Mission for Clean Ganga organized an event in New Delhi titled “Young Minds: Pledging River Rejuvenation” comprising students and leading educators from across different schools and colleges with an aim to emphasize upon the importance of river rejuvenation in particular and water conservation in general. The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel presided over the event. Shri G. Ashok Kumar, Director General, NMCG and Shri D.P. Mathuria, Executive Director (Technical) were also present on the occasion along with other dignitaries from the educational institutions. World Water Day is celebrated every year on 22nd March to advocate the sustainable management of water resources. The theme of this year’s World Water Day is “Groundwater-Making the Invisible Visible.”
Addressing the gathering, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel began by saying that everything happening on this special day should not end up being just an event, but a pledge in itself, the pledge to never waste even a single drop of water, the pledge to conserve water in all ways possible. He urged the youth to come forward and contribute in preserving and conserving our water resources.
Sharing the ordeals of Bundelkhand region in terms of water availability, he informed the audience that through the efforts being made under Jal Jeevan Mission, the drinking water availability to Damoh in Bundelkhand will increase to 65% from just 17% by April this year. He also said that over 9.5 crore families have been provided with drinking water pipelines in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission. He expressed happiness on the delight of the families who are getting water through Jal Jeevan Mission.
He said that the importance of rivers in Indian culture can be known from the fact that innumerous aspects of our lives – religious, social, economic, commercial, agricultural, medicinal, to name a few, are directly connected to our rivers. Respect for water and rivers has been an integral part of the Indian tradition and culture for centuries, he added. While recognizing the need to address the emerging water crisis posing as one of the biggest challenges for the present generation, he emphasized on the importance of planning for our future. “If we can think about petrol and diesel, it is absolutely imperative to think about our water resources which is the very basis of our life,” he added.
Shri Patel recalled a speech from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in which he had said that the next world war will be over water. The Minister urged everyone to take inspiration from Atal Ji’s vision for water conservation. He added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has done the great work of initiating reforms in the water sector based on Atal Ji’s vision. Shri Patel held carelessness and lack of awareness responsible for the problems now and urged everyone to come forward and contribute in saving our water resources, including the precious groundwater.
Shri G. Asok Kumar, while expressing pleasure over taking pledge to conserve water on the occasion of World Water Day said the whole world today is collectively striving hard to overcome the challenge of water shortage. The conservation of water and rivers is being given the due consideration globally, he said, while mentioning about the new consciousness awakened in the country especially among the youth, regarding the conservation, development and ecological balance of rivers.
Shri Kumar said one thing should be diligently followed and remembered in life, and that is Respect for Water. He remarked that India is the largest exploiter of groundwater, and that we extract around 250 billion litres of water from underground aquifers. This water was saved beneath the surface by the efforts of our forefathers, and we must respect and cherish this gift while also ensuring its conservation for our future generations, he added. He said that to achieve 5 trillion economy water is the most limiting factor and apart from groundwater recharge emphasized on the importance of rainwater harvesting through Catch the Rain: Where it Falls, When it Falls campaign.
The event saw the participation of over 200 students from Stanford Group of Schools, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Shobhit University, IMS, Noida and Sharda University.
Shri Rajat Kumar, Sand Artist, also expressed the message of water conservation through Sand Art and the students of IMS, Noida performed a nukkad natak on the importance of water conservation during the event. Ganga Quest 2022, an online quiz was also launched during the event. A teaser of National Geographic Film – “Ganga: A River from Skies” hosted by the renowned environmentalist Mike Pandey was premiered during the event. Besides, the leading educators from different educational institutions were also felicitated by the Minister.