Urban Administration and Development Minister Amar Agrawal on Sunday said that water is a precious gift of nature while the rivers, nullahs and ponds are heritage of the society and nation. Saving water and protection of water resources is the responsibility of both government as well as the society, he said. Agrawal said this at the concluding session of two-day workshop on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), Climate Change and Water Policy organized by Krishak Biradari here .
He said that it is responsibility of all to keep the sources of water free from pollution to protect ourselves from water borne diseases. The ponds or lakes are not only cultural heritage but also good source of water. The Urban Administration Department of the State government is running ‘Sarovar Dharohar’ scheme for protection of ponds and lakes.
The underground water is like fixed deposit for the future generations and by saving water we can secure the future, added Agrawal. Former Agriculture Minister Chandra Shekhar Sahu said that a balanced and rational use of water should be done in the interest of society. An integrated water policy needs to be created for the purpose.
Former Chief Secretary Sharad Chandra Behar expressed his views on the topic ‘Jal Ke Sushasan’. Discussions were also held on measures or conservation of water in urban bodies and it was suggested to prepare an action plan for this. A number of representatives of urban bodies and officers of Urban Administration and Development Department were present on the occasion.