Aimed at creating awareness about importance of water conservation, the Mission Directorate Jal Jeevan Mission of Jal Shakti Department organized a debate competition on the topic “Water Conservation is primarily the duty of government, not the individual” at Teachers Bhawan here.
The event was participated by students from ten schools of Jammu district who spoke for and against the motion. Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, was the Chief Guest while Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar was the Guest of honor on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, ACS outlined the importance of collective efforts of different stakeholders like community, individuals and the most importantly different departments and private institutions like NGOs to make the country water secure by countering the challenges like climate change, contamination etc.
ACS highlighted that the advancements in the technology particularly the spread of internet connectivity and lowering cost of software, hardware and electronic devices has made it possible to bring efficiency in the management of water resources and water supply systems.
Shaleen Kabra appreciated the understanding of students about the importance of water security while complimenting them for sharing their ideas in an articulated way. Divisional Commissioner, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the importance of community engagement for making impact of government initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in making the UT water secure.
The students from various schools presented their views on water conservation and touched all concerned aspects of the initiative, Nal Se Jal, Catch the Rain, Micro Irrigation etc. Neha Rana from GGHSS Shastri Nagar bagged first prize while Moksh Sharma from Jodhamal School won second prize and Khushboo Parihar from GGHSS Mubarak Mandi got third prize in the debate competition.
During the event, the Mission Directorate displayed the JJM Tableau and demonstrated its significance to the students for disseminating the aim and objective of Jal Jeevan Mission. Pertinent to mention here that Jal Shakti Department is implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission in the UT, aimed to cover all its 18.71 lakh rural households with functional household tap connections with the active involvement of the local communities in planning, implementing, monitoring, owning, operating and maintaining the water supply systems.
Mission Director Jal Jeevan Mission, Director School Education Jammu, Chief Engineer, PHE Department Jammu, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu and other officers of the Jal Shakti Department and School Education Department were present on the occasion.