District Administration, Udhampur, organised a one-day workshop of Panchayats and Village Sanitation Committees for formulation of plans for water conservation, rain water harvesting and community initiatives for protection of traditional water sources and water bodies.District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary presided over the proceedings and briefed the Sarpanchs, Panchs and members of Village Committees for water conservation plan and their proactive role in preservation of water as well as optimum utilisation. He highlighted that potable drinking water is fast deteriorating and future wars will be aimed at securing water sources as is evident from serious law and order problem reported across the country at various places owing to water shortage and crisis leading to problems among community.Dr Shahid outlined the components of Village Water Conservation and Utilisation Plan. He called upon the citizens to promote the habit of water conservation and taking measures for keeping the water bodies clean. Highlighting the plight of pollution in Holy Devika he stressed that ignorance of many decades has posed a serious challenge for everyone and now concerted efforts are being made to initiate process for undoing such historical mistakes.
Project Officer DRDA Dr Jagdish Mehra presented a detailed resume of activities planned under the Water Conservation Plan and various panchayats to be selected for improvising water resources through active intervention of Rural Development Department. PO IWMP Attar Chand presented a resume of works taken up under IWMP for water harvesting, watershed management and ground water recharge. Medical Superintendent District Hospital Dr Narinder Bhutial dwelled on importance of potable water, health issues and basic practices to be adopted for clean drinking water.The Workshop was organised as a part of World Water Day celebrations organised in coordination with Integrated Watershed Management Project SLNA for capacity building of Panchayats and Village Committees. Subject matter specialists also presented details about various aspects of water conservation. A cultural programme was also organised for spreading awareness in local language.ADDC Arvind Shrama ,ADC Angrez Singh Rana, Jt Director Rakesh Jamwal, ExEn PHE Rajesh Gupta, CMO Dr Chander Parkash, CEO R K Chhalotra, SLNA Iftkhar Ahmed and officers of district administration also participated in proceedings and shared their views