In view of continuous dry spell and possible water shortage in the State, the Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Gani Kohli, Sunday, stressed for launching a massive water conservation campaign across the State with an objective to reach out to the rural communities to promote awareness about the need for conservation, preservation, and the efficient use of water.During his day long tour of various areas of Kalakote Constituency including Sair, Chainpur, Dhalyate A&B, Dawan, Damal and Kameergala today, the Minister instructed the authorities of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, (NABARD) to provide liberal funding for conservation of natural water resources in Kalakote constituency of Rajouri district so that the people of the area may not face problems in respect of water during coming months.“Need of the hour is to sensitize the masses about importance of water conservation and imparting know- how of water harvesting by adopting small tips” said the Minister and added that the present climatic change is alarming which will possibly create serious water shortage in future.Kohli asked the concerned executing agencies to lay stress on water conservation by constructing small dams and water harvesting tanks in upper belts of villages in Kalakote to tap water for future use besides construction of check dams and percolation tanks. He also asked them to conduct survey of Kalakote Constituency and identify the uncovered areas and prepare plans so that the funds could be arranged for the purpose.
Saying that water is emerging as the most precious commodity for mankind, the Minister said that government is making all out efforts to save every drop of water that falls on earth and added that there is need for coordinated efforts to save the rain fall water besides natural water bodies with the aim that the people may not face problems for drinking water as well as for irrigation facilities.Meanwhile, the Minister launched Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) from Kalakote by planting a sapling under which 7 villages of Kalakote will be covered in the first phase. The programme will be implemented by the NABARD during which trees will be planted in the area. The Minister appealed the people to take part in massive plantation during the campaign.The Minister also participated in a programme organized by J&K Dairy Producers Processes & Marketing Co-operative Union Ltd (JKDCUC) at Dhalyate in Kalakote.The Chief General Manager, NABARD Vijay Kumar also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the achievements of the Organization.During the tour, the Minister listened people’s problems at various places and responded them patiently. He assured them that the issues raised will be solved in the phased manner. He said the present government is committed to fulfil all genuine demands of the people of the State. Senior officers of District administration, NABARD, JKDCUC and Suriya Milk were present on the occasion.