New Delhi: The five day India water week (IWW) – 2017 concluded in New Delhi today with a call for efficient management of available water resources in the country by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh. Addressing the valedictory session of IWW the Minister said that the present NDA government has achieved unparallel success in the field of micro irrigation. Shri Singh said eight lakh hact. of land was brought under micro irrigation during 2016-17. The target for 2017-18 is 12 lakh hact. Referring to Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana the Minister said out of the 99 projects 23 are on the verge of completion. He informed that another 32 PMKSY project will be completed by March next year and the remaining by 2019. The Union Agriculture Minister also underlined the need for removing encroachments from Water bodies all over the country to preserve the water resources for posterity.
Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said that first of all it is necessary to know the importance of water and its qualities for mankind. Shri Meghwal said it is our responsibility to preserve this precious natural resources for future generations. Referring to the various recommendations of IWW- 2017 the Minister said it is our responsibility to implement these recommendations. He said “Water is not being used but misused. We have to stop this”.
Giving an overview of the deliberations, Dr Amarjit Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation said that Union Ministries like Agricultural and Water Resources can jointly work for proper water resources management of the country. He said that about 1300 delegates including 50 delegates from 14 countries attended the five day event. About 150 papers were presented and 17 technical seminars and 14 panel discussion were held during IWW – 2017.
A mobile app prepared by Central Water Commission containing various information about water resources of the country was also launched on the occasion.
The IWW- 2017 was inaugurated by President Shri Ram Nath Kovind on October 10, 2017. The theme of IWW – 2017 was “Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth”. The event had detailed discussions on Water, Food and Energy Security – Essential requirement for sustainable development, Water for inclusive Growth, Sustainable energy development – Key for all round economic growth and Water and Society.
