President Droupadi Murmu officially opened the 8th India Water Week in New Delhi on September 17, 2024. The event runs until September 20, 2024, and brings together Union Ministers, international representatives, and experts to emphasize the importance of water conservation in India and globally.
Significance of the Event
India Water Week highlights the crucial role of water in sustaining life and encourages actions to conserve this vital resource. At the inauguration, a symbolic “Jal Bharo” (water-filling) ceremony was held to underline the importance of saving and protecting water for the future.
Key Features
- Sessions: The convention includes 18 sessions where experts and water practitioners discuss strategies for effective water management and conservation, addressing both national and global issues.
- Presidential Address: President Murmu spoke about the ancient Vedic wisdom that regards water as sacred. She stressed the importance of water conservation for future generations and encouraged young people to actively participate in preserving this essential resource.
- Ministerial Address: Union Minister C. R. Paatil emphasized the need for global cooperation to address the water crisis and shared insights from ministers around the world on managing water resources effectively.
- Community Initiatives: The event honored grassroots efforts in water conservation. Ujiaro Bai and Lakmen Mary Nongkhlaw, known as “Water Warriors,” shared their inspiring stories of how their communities are actively involved in conserving water.
Exhibitions and Forums
- Technology Showcase: An exhibition was set up to display the latest technologies in water management.
- Global Water Leaders’ Plenary: This forum allowed countries to exchange ideas and best practices for water conservation, fostering international cooperation.
The first day of India Water Week concluded with a cultural program, promoting unity and a shared commitment to sustainable water management.
About India Water Week
Since its inception in 2012, India Water Week has aimed to promote the sustainable use of water resources. It covers various topics related to water conservation and pollution prevention, bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovations and solutions.
India, home to significant rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna, faces serious water shortages affecting about 600 million people. With 60% of irrigation relying on groundwater, the National Water Policy focuses on efficient water use, and the River Linking Project is one of the country’s efforts to balance water availability across regions.
