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On 5th January 2023, the Prime Minister addressed the 1st All India Annual State Ministers’ Conference on Water via video message. The theme of the conference was ‘Water Vision @ 2047’. The objective of the forum is to bring together key policymakers for discussions on ways to harness water resources for sustainable development and human development.
Read more: PM addresses 1st All India Annual State Ministers' Conference on Water via video message
The conference was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister in his video message highlighted the importance of the circular economy in the fields of water conservation. Furthermore, he informed that the government has laid a lot of emphasis on the circular economy in this year’s budget.
“When treated water is reused, fresh water is conserved, and it benefits the entire ecosystem. That's why water treatment and water recycling are essential”, he said.
PM Modi also pointed out that in our constitutional system, the subject of water comes under the control of the states. Additionally, it is the states' efforts for water conservation that will go a long way in achieving the collective goals of the country. “Water Vision @ 2047 is an important dimension of the journey of Amrit Kaal for the next 25 years”, the Prime Minister remarked.
Read more: All India States' Ministers Conference On 'WaterVision@2047' in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Concludes
Past water campaigns
The prime minister took note of the need for water in both the industrial and agricultural sectors. Additionally, suggested running special campaigns to educate people about water security.
- He cited methods that have a positive impact on water conservation, such as crop diversification and natural farming.
- In addition, he emphasized the "Per Drop More Crop" initiative that was launched as part of the Prime Minister Agricultural Irrigation Scheme. He mentioned that more than 70 lakh hectares of land in the nation have already been micro-irrigated. “Micro-irrigation should be promoted continuously by all the states”, he added.
- He also gave the example of the Atal Bhujal Sanrakshan Yojana. Under the scheme, water-shed work is necessary on a large scale in all the districts for groundwater recharge. He also stressed the need to pace up development works to revive the spring shed in hilly areas.
Plan for the next 5 years
The prime minister emphasized the need for the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, to work together to increase the state's forest cover in order to conserve water. Additionally, he emphasized that Gram Panchayats should create an action plan for the next five years that includes a roadmap for water supply, cleanliness, and waste management.
He also called for attention to the conservation of all local sources of water. The prime minister also urged states to adopt policies that would prepare the water budget at the Panchayat level based on the amount of water needed in each village. Furthermore, the work that can be done to meet those needs. Highlighting the success of the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, the Prime Minister reiterated that such campaigns should become an essential part of the State Government. And, these campaigns should be evaluated annually. “Instead of waiting for the rains, all the planning needs to be done before the rains”, he added.
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