District-level programme on water conservation launched in Hailakandi

HAILAKANDI: A district-level programme 'catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls' was launched to create awareness on the need for water conservation here on Wednesday.

Launching the programme at the Rotary Club premises, District Development Commissioner, Ranajeet Kumar Laskar emphasized on the need to focus on water conservation and rainwater harvesting. Laskar exhorted upon the people to make proper and judicious use of piped water supply for drinking purpose only and not for other purposes.

The District Development Commissioner also underlined the importance of prevention of wastage of water and water pollution for posterity. He said efforts are on at the governmental level for rain water harvesting in some schools of the district and other water conservation activities as water crisis looms large in urban and rural areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Superintendent, Public Health Engineering Department, Nripendra Kumar Sarma said the level of consciousness has to be raised among the populace on the need to conserve water through rain harvesting, keeping the water bodies free of pollution and proper usage of water.

"We have to take all precautionary measures to keep the water bodies free from pollution as degradation is fraught with serious ecological implications posing a serious health hazard," he quipped.

While urging the youth volunteers of different NGOs participating in the programme to play a proactive role in spreading the message of water conservation in their households, neighbourhoods and society at large, Sarma said the need of the hour is to protect the rivers, ponds, wetlands and water bodies from contamination to keep the natural water bodies fresh and intact.

Addressing the youth volunteers, noted writer and journalist, SatanandaBhattacharjee called upon them to put in concerted efforts as water scarcity has hit many parts of the world, including some parts of Hailakandi district and neighbouring Meghalaya.

Stressing on the importance of involving the youngsters in the revolutionary campaign, District Information and Public Relations Officer, SabirNishat said water scarcity has affected nearly one million people in India every year and 21 major Indian cities, including the national capital Delhi are staring at a groundwater scarcity according to a report by NITI Aayog. He said India has fresh water availability of only four per cent though it has a population of 1.3 billion.

"Highest priority has to be accorded to the issue of water conservation and the need of the hour is to adopt an integrated approach towards water management," Nishat quipped.

Professor of SK Roy College, Manish Roy said the country is plagued with water shortage with ground water depletion taking place at two-three meters every year. Professor Roy called for water conservation as a component of urban planning, checking of colossal wastage of the precious resource and proper usage.

At the programme, District Development Commissioner, Laskar and other dignitaries also distributed certificates of Swacch Bharat Summer Internship 2.0 to the state level winner Native Pride Club, Rongpur and to Friends Club, Monipur and Tribal Woman Youth Club for second and third positions at the district level.

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