Commitment to water conservation is an urgent need: Union Jal Shakti Minister in Guwahati

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 13, 2024

Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Paatil, stressed the critical need for a national commitment to water conservation, stating, “It is high time for all of us to focus on conserving our water sources and managing them wisely to protect them for future generations.”

Speaking at the Brahmaputra Board’s 13th High Powered Review Board (HPRB) meeting and inaugurating the two-day Springshed Management Workshop 2024 in Guwahati, Paatil highlighted the Prime Minister’s longstanding priority on water conservation, underscoring its urgency in the current context.

During the event, Brahmaputra Board chairman Ranbir Singh emphasized the importance of springs as essential resources for local communities, acknowledging their increasing vulnerability. He noted that the workshop represents a significant move toward addressing these challenges, focusing on spring rejuvenation and developing collaborative approaches for sustainable water management.

The HPRB meeting reviewed key initiatives aimed at advancing the Brahmaputra Board’s strategic goals, such as a strategic transformation plan, recruitment and deputation policy reforms, remote work provisions, and master plan evaluations for various basins. The meeting also focused on the effective use of river basin management funds approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC). Several critical decisions were made to bolster the Board’s operational capacity and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the region.

In a significant move to strengthen project oversight and execution, the Brahmaputra Board approved plans to establish a Central Planning Unit (CPU) and Project Management Unit (PMU) at its headquarters. These units will enhance oversight and ensure efficient implementation of projects.

Additionally, the Board will create specialized cells focused on information technology, artificial intelligence, data management, media and communication, monitoring and quality management, GIS and remote sensing, and international cooperation to build institutional expertise.

The high-level meeting was attended by senior officials and ministers from water resources and related sectors across Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and Nagaland, alongside the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Earlier, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil inaugurated the Brahmaputra Board’s two-day Springshed Management Workshop 2024, an event aimed at promoting sustainable water resource management and addressing the challenges faced by springs—vital drinking water sources for many communities.

The workshop, organized by the Brahmaputra Board, underscored the Union Government’s commitment to innovative water conservation strategies, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss approaches for spring preservation and sustainable water management in the region.