World Water Day celebrated across Kashmir Division

 

SRINAGAR : On the occasion of World Water Day (WWD), a series of programmes were conducted across the districts of Kashmir division by district administrations to emphasise on the need to conserve water, harvest rain water and to solve water and sanitation crisis.

In Ganderbal, World Water Day was celebrated across the district while the main function was organized at JKTDC Cafeteria Mammer which was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC highlighted the purpose of celebrating World Water Day and emphasized on keeping cleanliness of water bodies and advised the participants to refrain from throwing garbage into water bodies which are the source of freshwater.

He also complemented the Jal Shakti Department Ganderbal for organizing programmes in the district and urged them to generate massive awareness among the masses about the importance of freshwater and how to make judicious use of this precious gift of nature.

Executive Engineer Jalshakti, Samiullah Beigh highlighted the initiatives taken to provide clean and treated portable water supply to all the households of the district. The event was attended by Executive Engineer Jal Shakti, PRI members, officials of Jal Shakti Department Ganderbal and locals.

In Bandipora, the district administration on Wednesday organised ‘Water Conference’ at Mini Secretariat under the theme “Accelerating the change to solve water & sanitation crisis” to celebrate the World Water Day.

The conference was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and attended by ADDC Ali Afsar Khan, Nodal Officer-Coordination/ Assistant Commissioner Development Mohd Ashraf Hakak, Joint Director Planning Imtiyaz Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat , Executive Engineer Jal Shakti, Bandipira/ Sopore, District Information Officer Jahangir Akhoon and other senior officers of the district besides PRI members, Pani Ssamiti Members, Members of Youth Clubs, School children, and field staff of Jal Shakti& Rural Development departments. The members of Panchayat Pani Samitis and Youth Club Members actively participated in the conference.

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais said the district had conducted a survey under JJM to assess the situation at ground level regarding the availability of potable water. He said that after the administration got the real picture of the situation, an action plan was framed to ensure the supply of pure drinking water.

On the occasion Joint Director Planning briefed the conference about several initiatives being taken by the administration to provide potable drinking water to every household and made a reference to the centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide potable drinking water to every rural household.

The speakers were informed that the district administration has proposed to lay a network of 1970 kilometers of pipeline under 121 different schemes, including construction of 38 rapid sand filtration plants and 91 Grounded Service Reservoirs.

Officers informed that 29738 households have been provided pure drinking water so far, while the completion of proposed projects will ensure pure water supply to 17611 households.

It was given out that Mission Amrit Sarovar is under execution in the district that aims to preserve water bodies in every Panchayat.

Officers informed that 94 sites were proposed under the Amrit Sarovar Mission MGNEGRA, out of which 92 cities we’re taken and 91 sites have been completed. Under UT Capex Budget, out of 06 projects, five are under execution, and one has been completed

DFO Bandipora Mudasir Mahmood discussed measures to preserve wet lands and briefed the audience about restoration of Wullar lake to its original shape, de-silting, and quality dredging of Wullar lake.

Dr Owais also gave away appreciation certificates among the best student speakers during the conference besides felicitating media persons, officers, and officials for playing their role to ensure water security in the district. DC Bandipora also felicitated best performing students of painting competitions held across the schools of the district on various themes of water.

ADDC Bandipora, Ali Afsar Khan while speaking at the event, said that the aim of organizing the conference was to sensitize the public and the officers alike regarding the importance of water conservation and bring all the stakeholders together to discuss the issue.

A ceremonial plantation drive was also launched at the conclusion of the conference. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, at the end of the event, also inspected JJM Lab Testing Stall and Wall Paintings in the premises of Mini-Secretariat Bandipora.

In Baramulla, March 22: The district administration Baramulla in active collaboration with other departments including Jal Jeevan Mission, Forest, Education, R&B, Housing and Urban Development and Information today organised a grand function at Dak Bungalow here to mark its celebration under theme “Accelerating the Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis”.

Additional District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Aijaz Abdullah Saraf presided over the function as the chief guest while the officers from several departments, school children and other prominent citizens also participated in the programme.

Meanwhile, on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish several theme based lectures and paintings were also organised by the students wherein the best performing students were felicitated by the dignitaries. Stalls and Banners were also installed by the departments showing the achievement under Amrit Sarovars, Jal Jeevan Mission and afforestation.

Speaking on the occasion, ADDC underlined the objectives of celebrating the programme and said that water is a valuable but a scarce resource and every effort should be made to ensure its productive utilisation.

In his address, the ADDC highlighted the theme of the programme and said that several techniques and methods should be adopted for water conservation with special focus on rainwater harvesting. He reiterated its commitment of providing potable drinking water to every household under the centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission within the set timeline.

Meanwhile, an oath was administered during which the participants pledged to conserve water and use it in our daily lives productively.

In Shopian, the ‘World Water Day’ was observed across the district today with the purpose of highlighting the importance of water and raising awareness about the water crisis that the world faces. To strengthen water conservation efforts in the district, functions were held by the Department of Jal Shakti Shopian.

Addressing the participants, speakers reiterated that the aim and objective of celebrating world water day is ‘to save water to save generation’. They said our motive shall be to preserve and prevent its misuse. During the proceedings a skit was presented and performed by students, demonstrating captions relating to today’s theme. On the conclusion, Department of Jal Shakti felicitated the participants and women achievers.

The event was attended by the officials of Jal Shakti, Teachers, PRIs, AWWs, Asha Workers, locals besides students of various schools of the district.

Various students also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the need for conservation of water resources and judicial usage of drinking water.

In Srinagar, the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre celebrated World Water Day by organizing a seminar on the theme “Accelerating Change.”

The seminar was held at the IEI Auditorium at Church Lane, Sonwarbagh Srinagar, and was attended by a diverse group of participants including Corporate Members of IEI, Students, Research Scholars, and other dignitaries.

The seminar was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal, Director NIT Srinagar, who was also the Chief Guest of the event.

The Guests of Honour were Er. Rashid Ahmad Dar Chief Engineer, MED Kashmir and Er. Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department.

The event witnessed an insightful PowerPoint presentation on the topic of water conservation and management by Mohammad Irfan Shah, Student, SSM College of Engineering, Toiba Shafat Koul, Student, SSM College of Engineering, and Mehraj Bhat, Member, The Institution of Engineers (India).

They highlighted the urgent need to accelerate change in the field of water conservation and management. Er. Ferdous Ahad Bhat, MIE (Honorary Secretary), coordinated the event, welcomed the participants & presented the vote of thanks.

In his speech, he emphasized the importance of water conservation and management and the role of the engineering community in accelerating change in this area.

The seminar provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by the water sector.

The seminar has contributed to raising awareness and accelerating change in the field of water conservation and management.

In Budgam, World Water Day was today celebrated by District administration Budgam in collaboration with Jal Shakti Department Budgam, with District Development Commissioner, (DDC) S F Hamid in Chair, and GH.Nabi Itoo MD JJM as special Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC made the people aware about the importance of fresh-water and the need to save the precious gift of nature and by using it judiciously but without wasting even a single drop of water. He further said that it is the responsibility of all to save and preserve the water in letter and spirit as it is essential for our life.

He said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission every household would get tap supply in the district and for this purpose several measures are being taken. The day witnessed a massive campaign on water conservation.

MD JJM, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the ongoing schemes of JJM and role of people in maintaining both environment and water resources. He said, how climate is affecting water and its global impact.

He further said that it is the responsibility of all to save and preserve the water in letter and spirit as it is essential for our life.

Earlier, a painting competition was organised in the District on world water conservation day in which students of different students participated.

During the seminar, meritorious students of painting competition were felicitated

Later on, the DC Budgam and MD JJM took joint review of ongoing water supply schemes in the District.

The DC directed all the officers to complete all the ongoing schemes within a fixed timeline. He said not a single household should be left out without portable tap connections. DC stressed on many issues including forest clearance issue, ftk Training of females, improvement of FHTCS, water quality testing etc..

Besides, Mission director JJM, Chief Engineer PHE Kashmir, Technical advisor JJM , Superintending engineer hydraulic circle Budgam, Executive engineers PHE division Budgam and Chadoora, DPMU unit Budgam and other members were present on the occasion.

In Pulwama, District Administration organised a grand event to celebrate the World Water Day at Govt Boys Degree College and commemorate the Day Long functions organised to create awareness at grass root level regarding the importance of water.

Additional District Development Commissioner Pulwama Dr Sheikh Abdul Aziz was the chief guest on the occasion while ACP Pulwama, Superintending Engineer PHE, District and Sectoral Officers, students, Asha workers and Anganwari workers were also present on the occasion.

The ADDC, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the importance of sustainable management of fresh water resources.

He said it is a collective cause and requires equal efforts from the government and public. The aim of celebrating the water day is to sensitize the public and the officers alike regarding the importance of water conservation, he added.

Addressing the gathering, the ADDC reiterated that the aim and objective of celebrating world water day is to save water to save generation. He said our motive shall be to preserve and prevent its misuse. He enjoined upon the officers to adopt sustainable practices in water conservation besides taking advantage of convergence models.

He said the department of Jal Shakti needs to involve all resources to ensure judicious use of water, and prevent its misuse.

The ADDC said that people shall be inspired and advised to take advantage of rainy seasons to preserve and store rainwater so that the same can be used during water shortages for Agricultural and Horticulture purposes.

He said that several initiatives are being taken to provide potable drinking water to every household and made a reference to the centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide potable drinking water to every rural household.

ADDC Pulwama administered oath to the audience wherein they pledged to save water and take steps to ensure conservation of water.

ACP Pulwama, who also spoke on the occasion, stressed on using modern scientific techniques in farming that ensure more production with less wastage of water.

He appreciated all the students who shared their valuable information regarding the importance of saving water through painting and lectures.

He stressed upon everyone to understand the importance of celebrating World Water Day adding that it is the responsibility of this generation to conserve water so that the future generation have a good life.

During the function, a series of theme based programs were held like debates, painting competitions and cultural events.

In Kulgam: The ‘World Water Day’ was celebrated across the district today. The main colourful function was held Mini-Secretariat Kulgam, organized by District Administration in collaboration with District Jal Jeevan Mission Kulgam (DJJM).

The programme was inaugurated by flagging-off a rally of students and a Prachar vahan (IEC Van) by the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Dr.Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din-Bhat.

While addressing on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Dr.Bilal-Mohi-Ud-Din-Bhat calls for judicious use of water and conservation of water bodies. He sought pledge from all participants for their commitment in using water optimally, and save the precious gift of nature from wilful wastage.

He added that through Jal Jeevan Mission, all the households will get piped water before June 2023 while informing that under the ambitious Mission, 140 schemes consisting of 240 works will be dedicated at an estimated cost of 467 crore.

Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson Mohammad Afzal Parrey reiterated that the aim and objective of celebrating world water day is ‘to save water to save generations’. He said, there is an urgent need to stop misusing water.

Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Division Kulgam, Nawaz Ahmed highlighted achievements of the department and implementation status of Jal Jeevan Mission in the district.

During the proceedings colourful cultural programmes, Skits and painting Competitions were also organised.

DDC member Kulgam, Gh Mohi Ud Din and DDC member Frisal Anaya Ullah Rather, PRI members, members of pani Samities and a large gathering of people and students participated in the programme.

ADC Viqar Ahmed Giri, ACP Shurjeel Ali, Tehsildar Hq and other officers also attended the programme.

Similar functions was also held at Sub Division D.H.Pora where SDM D.HPora Noorabad, Bashir Ul Hassan highlighted the importance of water and urged people to save water resources.

A rally was also organized which was attended by students from various schools to make the masses aware about the importance of conservation of water bodies.