Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura Tuesday said that water bodies of the State are shrinking day by day due to reasons viz encroachments and on the larger front, climate change. The Minister said special focus is required to conserve such water resources.The Minister was speaking at a function organized to highlight various issues related to water bodies of the State, namely “Save Doodganga” at Surisyar village in district Budgam. The programme was organized by the NGO - National Society for Human Welfare.Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Animal and Sheep Husbandary Mr. Abdul Majid Paddar, Member Legislative Council, Mr. Surinder Ambardar, large number of students, representatives from various NOGs and prominent citizens of the area were present on the occasion.
Minister for Agriculture said that safeguarding of water resources is important and people should do their best to save water. He said each of us has a moral and personal responsibility to conserve water. Mr. Hanjura said that Government is committed to provide adequate drinking water facilities to people especially living in hilly and far-off areas of the State. He said, for the purpose, concerned quarters have already been asked to conduct survey of their respective areas and identify uncovered habitations.Minister of State for PHE, I & FC Mr. Paddar speaking on the occasion said that the Government has taken several initiatives to strengthen PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control sectors. He directed PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control authorities to remove all encroachements on Doodganga Nallah.MLC Mr. Ambardar announced Rs. 2 lakh out of his Constituency Development Fund for development of Doodganga Nallah.Later, the Minister distributed sign boards among 15 educational institutions of the area under communication and Community Development (CCDU) department of Public Health Engineering department.