The Hindu Business Line : Governor lauds theme

Thiruvananthapuram: Delivering his address at the valedictory function of the conference, the Kerala Governor, Mr R. S. Gavai, observed that the theme for this year’s World Water Day, ‘Shared Water – Shared Opportunities,’ is most appropriate and meaningful.

Rainwater harvesting is one of the major methods practised widely to ensure drinking water security. It involves storing water in days of plenty so as to use it later. Apart from such artificial storage, this can be done in a more natural way using resources available in nature, Mr. Gavai said.

Nearly 200 delegates from various parts of the country, including senior Central and State government officials, elected representatives, scientists, research scholars, technical experts, environmental activists and representatives of NGOs attended the conference, the first high-level conference on this subject in the State.

Technical sessions during the conference focused on ‘Innovative achievements of organisations/ for rainwater harvesting,’ ‘Government policies and community involvement,’ ‘Future strategies,’ ‘Industry related issues’ and ‘Specific strategies for hills and hard rock areas and islands.’

This year’s theme is of particular relevance to India. As per the second UN World Water Development Report, the country is heading for a ‘water stress’ situation by 2025.

The Ashram was selected to host the meet because of its contribution to integrated water resources management practices over the last two decades. It had won a national citation from HUDCO in 1999 for its pioneering ‘Karuna Suddhajalam’ aquifer recharging and rainwater harvesting project. – Our Bureau

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