‘ JAL YATRA’ SENDS MESSAGE
ON CONSERVATION OF PRECIOUS FRESHWATER RESOURCES
The Union Minister
of Water Resources, Shri Arjun Charan Sethi, today flagged off
a "Jal Yatra" (Water March) near India Gate with the objective
to propagate message on conservation of freshwater resources to
the people. Over 1000 school children participated in the March
in colourful costumes, with banners and placards displayed. The
students while marching chanted slogans – "Let us make water conservation
our national mission – appeal by the Prime Minister", "Save Water,
Secure future" and "Water sustains life, sustain water sources".
The Minister led the March to the finish. Besides a large number
of enthusiasts from all walks of life including Shri Suresh Prabhu,
Chairman, Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers, Shri Oscar Fernandes,
Member of Parliament, Senior Officers of the Water Resources Ministry
and other Ministries and CEO, Delhi Jal Board took part in the
Water March. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sethi reminded the
people about Prime Minister’s appeal to the countrymen to make
water conservation a National Mission and on the conservation
of each drop of water on the eve of observance of Water Month
(July-August).
The Minister expressed
the hope that Children could play a vital role in conservation
of water. He informed the children about the usage of water even
if it is one day old. Water which is unfit for drinking can be
used for other purposes like bathing, cleaning, washing, watering
of plants, etc. The Minister also informed the gathering that
water resources are limited and therefore, it needs to be used
economically and judiciously.
The Government of
India has declared 2003 as the year of freshwater in consonance
with the United Nations Resolution declaring 2003 as International
year of Freshwater. The main objective is to increase the awareness
amongst the masses about the scarcity of freshwater and promoting
good practices for conservation of freshwater and its supporting
system. However, all these efforts need common man’s initiative
and participation. To spread awareness the Ministry of Water Resources
has initiated several programmes and activities which include
campaigning through print and electronic media, traditional media,
Jal Yatra, painting and debate competitions at school levels,
etc. The Ministry aims the freshwater year to give initial impetus
to the capacity building programme, which has to be taken up on
a continuous basis to put in place the vision of the national
water policy into action.
