Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday made an appeal to all the concerned citizens to conserve and preserve precious water resources to ensure the survival of mankind and animal kingdom. In his message on the eve of ‘World Water Day’ on March 22, Singh said that water is the precious gift of God and Mother Nature. One cannot imagine life without water on planet Earth. It is very crucial to conserve water to preserve human life, he said.
The Chief Minister called upon the citizens to take a pledge on the World Water Day to conserve water and use groundwater sparingly, he said.
Singh said apart from saving precious life-preserving water it is imperative to maintain purity of water. He stressed upon the need to spread the message of water harvesting and watershed movement.
The Chief Minister called upon the spirited citizens to co-operate with the various agencies in the fast changing cities and towns and rapidly growing population to spread the message of conservation and purity of water. Rivers, tanks and other water sources should be protected.
Singh said that poet Rahim in his beautiful poems had stressed upon the importance of water in protecting life.
It may be mentioned here that United Nations Organization at its Global Meet on ‘Environment and Development’ on 22 March 1992 at Rio De Jinero in Brazil had declared March 22 as World Water Day.
Notably, Chhattisgarh is among nine states which will benefit more from Centre's 'Neeranchal project' due to implementation of large number of watershed schemes already in these states, officials stated. The nine states which would benefit from the project are— Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.
Notably, the Central government has signed a loan agreement with World Bank for the Neeranchal National Watershed Project. The project to be implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development over a six-year period (2016-21) will support the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana in hydrology and water management, agricultural production systems, capacity building and monitoring and evaluation.
The Neeranchal project was approved by the Union Cbinet in October last year with a total budget outlay of Rs 2142 crore with the Government share of Rs 1071 crore and the rest 50% by the World Bank.
The Chhattisgarh government has ensured usage of nearly 73 per cent of the extended irrigation capacity which is far better than many other states of the country, officials stated. The actual irrigation capacity for Kharif season has doubled whereas the irrigation capacity for Rabi season has increased by 10 times, they stated.
Notably, the Chhattisgarh Government had also made all preparations to strengthen Central Government's Water Conservation and Management policy of ''Jal Kranti Abhiyaan'' (Water Revolution Mission).
A total of 54 severe water scarce villages have been selected for the Mission. Two villages from each of the 27 districts have been selected for the purpose.
Water Resources Department Secretary Dr B l Tewari held a meeting of the State-level Committee on recently at the Data Centre.
He reviewed recently the steps taken to implement the 'Jal Kranti Abhiyaan' in the State. Top Engineers of the Department participated in the meeting in Raipur.
Tewari said that the 'Jal Kranti Abhiyaan' is the top priority of the State Government.Two severe water scarce villages from each of the 27 districts have been selected for the Mission. Various Departments should closely co-ordinate to make water available for drinking water, irrigation and other basic necessities of the villagers, Tewari said.
He had instructed the concerned officials to address the problems of the villages as early as possible. The officers of the Water Resources Department have been appointed as Nodal Officers of the 'Jal Kranti Abhiyaan'.
The Nodal officers will tour the problem villages every 15 days and redress the grievances. The District Collectors are being given responsibility to make the Mission a success. Janpad Panchayats and Gram Panchayats will also be kept in the loop in implementing the Mission, Tewari said.
He said that every drop of water is precious and the chosen villages will be asked to conserve and preserve water. Governmental, Non-Governmental and citizens will join hands to make the Mission a great success.