Reiterating government’s commitment to ensure availability of potable drinking water in remotest corner of the state, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary today said that an extensive advocacy campaign has been initiated by CCD Unit of Public Health Engineering (PHE) to sensitize masses about measures to get clean water, sanitation and hygiene.The Minister was speaking during a constituency level advocacy workshop and exhibition-cum-mela organized by National Development Foundation (NDF) under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) in the premises of S.E Hydraulic Office Kathua.The Minister further said the water table around the globe is depleting and requires contribution of all stakeholders to conserve it with best possible efforts. He said rain water harvesting, recharging of ponds and restoration/maintenance of water bodies are key in safeguarding water table besides amending behavior towards making judicious use of water can attribute desired results.Sham Lal Choudhary informed that the campaign would be taken up in Panchayats for creating awareness at gross roots level. He said cleanliness and preservation of water bodies will pave the way for good hygiene and sanitation.
During the workshop, the Minister inspected stalls installed by different departments and agencies who exhibited their working, benefits under different schemes besides showcasing implements and best practices.A pledge was also administered among all the participants to become an ambassador of safe water campaign and spread further in the society.A signature campaign was also featured in the workshop besides presentation of impressive Dogri Nukkad Natak on save water theme was presented by the artists.MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia while addressing the gathering said government is committed to protect and preserve the water bodies for which adequate measures has been taken to improve the water scenario in the length and breadth of the state.MLA Hiranagar also spoke on the occasion said it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to preserve the water by making its judicious use.Executive Director CCDU Kuldeep Mangotra, Chief Engineer PHE Ashok Gandotra, ADC Kathua Rishpal Singh, SE Hydraulic Kathua Ashok Sharma and other district officers were present on the occasion.