The President inaugurated the 6th India Water Week-2019 at Vigyan Bhavani. The theme of the India Water Week-2019 is ‘Water Cooperation – Coping with 21st Century Challenges’..
A AKHTER / NEW DELHI
President of India Ram Nath Kovind has called upon the people to show similar dedication and commitment towards Jal Shakti Mission as was shown towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
He said, the country has almost achieved full sanitation coverage and it is on the verge of becoming open defecation free.
Addressing the 6th India Water Week 2019 event here, the President said, on 2nd October, the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, the day also marks the official completion of Swachh Bahrat Abhiyan. He said the government has launched the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure water supply to every rural household by 2024. He said, this is a bold and ambitious mission as presently about 18 per cent of rural household get piped water supply in India.
He said, this mission will focus on integrated demand and supply side management of water at local level. He said, the mission will create infrastructure for rainwater harvesting, ground water recharge and household waste water. Mr Kovind exuded confidence that the government will achieve the goal of the Jal Jeevan Mission with wider participation of people. The President also said that idols of deities which are immersed in rivers should be made of environment friendly materials. He said, it will keep the rivers clean and ensure the safety of marine life.
Speaking on the occasion, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the government is implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide tap water supply to every household with an investment of 50 billion US dollar.
The theme of the five day India Water Week is -Water Cooperation- Coping with 21st Century Challenges.
The event organised by the Jal Shakti Ministry provides a platform to the stakeholders to discuss issues related to waters and find innovative solution. Conceptualised and organized for the first time in 2012, the India Water Week is a regular forum where discussions are held to get support to implement key strategies for conservation, preservation and optimum use of available water.