Hundreds of citizens joined Minister Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Mayor Vivek Shejwalkar and Collector Rahul Jain at the Virpur Dam as volunteers to make efforts to develop more fresh water resources and improve the condition of the dam.
Constables of the 2nd, 13th and 14th Battallions of the SAF also joined in the voluntary labour (Shramdan) efforts that began at 7 in the morning. The voluntary efforts will continue till May 3.
The city’s recent water shortage crisis has raised concerns about the threat of severe water scarcity in the coming weeks.
Ominous concoctions of deficient rainfall, severe drought and poor planning have made Gwalior to almost run out of drinking water.
Experts say that the current water crisis is mainly due to less than average rainfall for many years now.
At the same time one can’t deny the fact that the problem has amplified many times over due to human factors like wrong policies, water mismanagement and improper water distribution.
Speaking at the occasion, Rahul Jain, the District Collector said that the voluntary contribution of so many citizens and government staff is a great and exemplary instance of helping the community and contributing to help and change the environment around.
He further said that with growing demand for water and depletion of the available water, assured supply of drinking water is becoming a major concern.
He impressed upon the audience the need to create awareness among the public about water management.
He also instructed the officials present to tap all possible water resources and make them available for sustainable use.