Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) observed United Nation’s designated ‘World Water Day’ theme “Nature for Water” at Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here today.On the occasion, Minister for PHE, I&FC Department, Sham Lal Chowdhary, Minister of State for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative, Fisheries & PHE Department and I&FC, Zahoor Ahmad Mir highlighted the importance of preservation and sustainable use of water resources.Member, State Water Regulatory Services Authority (SWRSA) Ahmad Muzaffar Lankar, Noted Islamic preacher Mufti Muzaffar, Social Activist Jagmohan Singh Raina and Chief Engineer I&FC Shah Nawaz also participated in the event.Stressing on creating awareness among public with regard to water conservation, Sham Lal Chowdhary said this day provides an opportunity for individuals to come together and take a pledge for preservation and sustainable use of water resources.Chowdhary said the need of the hour is to rise to the occasion and ensure that every drop water is consumed judiciously so that coming generations don’t have to face hardship due to water scarcity.Speaking on the occasion, Zahoor Ahmad Mir said that 663 million people in the world do not have access to clean water. He said, therefore, it becomes imperative for the people in the state need to reaffirm their commitment towards water conservation.
Zahoor Ahmad Mir said there is no doubt that state of Jammu and Kashmir is bestowed with abundant resources of water, however, he cautioned about the unabated pollution in water bodies posing a great threat to flora and fauna. He appealed people to make collective efforts in this regard.Member SWRSA Ahmad Muzaffar Lankar said that the main issue confronting in valley is the pollution of water bodies and lack of proper water management. “We need to put up a proper mechanism to conserve water and prevent pollution to water bodies for which public will have to play an important role”.Islamic preacher Mufti Muzaffar highlighted the importance of conservation of water and preservation of water bodies in the light of Quran and Sunnah and requested all the Ulemas to deliver tomorrow’s Friday sermon on the same topic.In his keynote address Chief Engineer, PHE Abdul Wahid warned that if necessary and timely steps are not taken then there are great chances that will contribute to water scarcity in future. He said not only pollution but the misuse of drinking water like washing cars etc too can have serious repercussions.Pertinently, a documentary highlighting importance of fresh water, repercussions of misuse of drinking water and unabated pollution in water bodies was screened for awareness of audiences.