President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th India Water Week on Tuesday at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministers of State for Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel, and Bishweswar Tudu.
Pankaj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti welcomed all the dignitaries and the event commenced with the auspicious ceremony of “Jal Bharo” by the President and other dignitaries present on the dais by pouring water into the vessel, strengthening the vision of Jal Shakti.
This ceremony symbolized the immense importance of water conservation.
During IWW- 2022, there will be four Technical Sessions comprising of 10 seminars, 10 panels discussions, Events and side events.
A large group of international and national persons of eminence will be sharing their experiences in the field of water management.
In addition to this, an exhibition will be running parallelly, supporting the theme and showcasing the technologies, latest development and solutions available for the areas of water management for sustainable development. The exhibitors will also have an opportunity of direct contact with thousands of potential clients, highly qualified visitors, and promotional opportunities to find joint ventures to enable them to expand their business in the rapidly growing India water market and to increase brand visibility & image.
A special side event will be organized by Denmark.
The President in her address stated “it is impossible to imagine life without water. In Indian civilization, water is not only important in life but also in the journey after life. That is why all water sources are considered sacred. But at the present if we look at the situation the condition seems worrying and therefore in such a situation, discussing the management of water is a very commendable step.
The issue of water is relevant not just for India but for the entire world and I am happy to note that Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel and the European Union are participating in the 7th India Water Week.”
The President expressed confidence that all will benefit from the exchange of ideas and technologies on this forum.
The President further said “water is a major resource for agriculture as well and providing clean drinking water to the growing population will be a big challenge in the coming years. The issue of water is multifaceted and complex, for which efforts should be made by all stakeholders.”
She urged people to be aware of its misuse and make others aware about water conservation. She expressed confidence that the outcome of brainstorming during this 7th Water Week will pave way for the welfare of this earth and humanity.
She appealed to the common people, farmers, industrialists and especially children to make water conservation a part of their ethics. She said that only in this manner, we will be able to gift a better and safer tomorrow to the coming generations.
The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, said “we need to march ahead in the field of water conservation, and make sure that the future of our children is water secured.”
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, graced the event with his esteemed presence and praised the successful commencement of the 7th India Water Week – 2022.
With his valuable insights, he enlightened and motivated the arena towards water security. He reverberated the noble message of ‘Jal Hai To Jeevan Hai’ and mentioned that State of UP has an adequate water supply of ground and surface water.
Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, addressing the conclave said “despite coming from different backgrounds, it is worth noting that we all join hands today to address the issue of water conservation.
The issue of water conservation, its management is a holistic and global effort. The event of India water week is a unique effort to bring together these insights on one platform.” Further, he declared the vision of ensuring 100% water availability across the country by 2024 and urged the citizens to join the movement and make it a ‘Jan Aandolan’ for a water-secure India.
Akli Tudu, Water Warrior, Jharkhand & Hira ben, Water Warrior, Bhuj, Gujarat narrated their experience in water conservation in their areas citing various initiatives, cases of rejuvenation and crops raised in the command areas.
The Plenary session was held later during the opening day, under the chairmanship of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti. Shoimzoda Jamshed, First Deputy Minister of Energy & Water Resources, Republic of Tajikistan, Maryprisca Winfred Mahundi, Dy. Minister of Water, Tanzania, Dr. Asit K.Biswas, Visiting Distinguished Prof. University of Glasgow, A. D. Mohile, Former Chairman, Central Water Commission, Mark Smith, Director General, IMWI took part in the session and deliberated their views on the water security and conservation and the challenges in climate change, etc.
The deliberations emphasized the strategies for water development and its management in the evolutionary process, concern of water security, conducting serious reviews of water related security concerns after scientific analysis, implementation of action plan, so that water can be proved to be an agent for peace instead of water wars.
