CM stresses importance of Water Management and Conservation

Published on September 6, 2010 by INVC · 2 Comments

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Delhi,,

Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, said that the State Government would explore possibilities of inclusion of water management and conservation in curriculum of schools with a view to educate the youth about the importance of water for the sustenance of life and its optimal use with all precautions. He was presiding over the second Meeting of the State Water Management Board here today.

Chief Minister stressed upon preparing of a vision document envisaging short term and long term goals for 10 years and 20 years respectively under close coordination of all the departments and people’s participation. He said that it should also include recharging of ground water, carry afforestation activities. He said that rain water harvesting was the need of the hour and directions had been given that government and commercial buildings should incorporate rain water harvesting structures into their building plans and make provisions of recycling of the water for its optimum utilization. He said that rain water harvesting and recycling of the water in industrial areas had been made mandatory in the State. He said that concerned department needed to designate its official, preferably junior engineer, to identify the buildings within their jurisdiction and monitor the progress of such structures. He said that Himachal Pradesh had varied climatic zones where structures suitable to geographical conditions needed to be constructed. He underlined the need for community participation in achieving the objectives instead of enactment of legislations. He observed that Town and Country Planning and Urban Development Departments needed to strictly enforce the provision of rain water harvesting structures in all buildings.

Prof. Dhumal said that water conservation was one of the core issues of over all Climate Change Management initiatives. He also emphasised on coordination of efforts of all the stakeholders to secure sustainable climate change management objectives. He said that revival of traditional water bodies and construction of small, medium and large check dams, depending upon the availability of suitable locations and catchment area to feed the same, was on the priority agenda of the State Government which would not only raise the ground water level but also recharge the water bodies in surrounding areas. He said that holistic approach for watershed management was required with preparation of treatment plans of khads, nallahs, ponds and catchment areas in consultation with other implementing agencies of the state government. He emphasized the need to explore possibilities of construction of rain water harvesting structures for Annandale and Basantpur area.

Chief Minister directed the authorities to take benefit of Central Government Schemes for execution of rain water harvesting and water management projects. He said that proper management of the water would result into equitable supply to the consumers even during summer season as well. He said that water efficient irrigation schemes would help in bringing more cultivable area under irrigation fold and save the water for human consumption. He said that water scarcity was a grave challenge which needed to be taken seriously and in a planner manner so that future requirements were met with.

Shri Ravinder Ravi, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, informed that rain water harvesting structures were being created at all sub-division level to motivate people adopt the same at village level as well. He said that structure creation activities had been started in 12 water stressed blocks of the State.

Shri Kishan Kapoor, Industries Minister, said that proper intake and outlet system had been incorporated into the design of Dal Lake in Mcleodganj area so that the lake was not filled with silt.

Shri Ramesh Dhwala, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affair Minister underlined the need for preparation of proper design for the rain water harvesting structures with gate system through which the water could enter and overflow released.

Shri Mahender Singh, Transport Minister, suggested that bigger rain water harvesting structures would be beneficial for the farmers and also recharge the traditional water bodies in the vicinity.

Shri Rajender Singh, Magasaysay Award Winner and Un-Official Member of the Board, stressed community participation to inculcate spirit of active partnership in development activities and assured all sport for rejuvenation of depleted water sources.

Smt. Rajwant Sandhu, Chief Secretary, said that better coordination was needed amongst all implementing agencies for achievement of targets.

Shri Avay Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, said that Mid Himalaya Watershed Development Project was yielding desired results.

Shri Narender Chauhan, Principal Secretary IPH, welcomed CM and conducted proceedings of the meeting.

Dr. P. Dorje Gyamba, Director, Central Water Commission, assured adequate funds for water management and conservation from Government of India.

Shri Gulab Singh Thakur, PWD Minister, Shri Narender Bragta, Horticulture Minister, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, PR&RD Minister, Shri Parveen Sharma, Vice Chairman, Water Management Board, Smt. Sarojini Ganju Thakur, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri Deepak Sanan, Principal Secretary MPP&Power, Shri Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary Agriculture, Shri R.D. Dhiman, Secretary, Rural Development, Dr. R.N. Batta, Director of PR&RD, Shri Amit Kashyap, Special Secretary IPH, Shri R.K. Sharma, Engineer-in-Chief, IPH and other senior officers were present in the meeting.