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Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil inaugurated the 2nd State Water Ministers’ Conference

Rajasthan:18/2/25:Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil inaugurated the 2nd State Water Ministers’ Conference on Water Security in the presence of Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma with a traditional Jal Kalash Ceremony. In the inaugural speech Union Minister Shri C R Patil emphasized India’s vision for the Viksit Bharat @ 2047, with water security being a critical pillar in achieving this goal under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is working towards ensuring water security by 2047 he added.

Union Minister stated that the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has been a major milestone, with 12 crore toilets constructed, transforming habits of 60 crore people, saving 3 lakh lives through improved sanitation and ₹8 lakh crore saved in healthcare costs.

Shri C R Patil highlighted the community-driven water conservation effort, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, which has led to the development of 1 million artificial rainwater harvesting structures across India. Furthermore, 6 lakh+ water conservation works have been completed under community participation, adopting the “Khet ka paani khet me” approach. Through this community-driven effort 60000, 1 lakh, and 2.29 lakh artificial recharge structures have been created in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh respectively. Shri Patil also spoke about the Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain initiative, which has completed more than 1.67 crore water conservation works through convergence, focusing on reviving traditional water bodies and efficient water use.

Union minister also added that river linking projects, such as the Ken-Betwa Link (MP-UP) and the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal ERCP (MP-Rajasthan), are transforming India’s water landscape. The Ken-Betwa Link project will provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares and drinking water to 62 lakh people, while the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal ERCP will irrigate 10 lakh hectares and provide drinking water to 50 lakh people. The union minister also mentioned shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision for water security, saying that substantial progress has been made in river-linking projects.

In conclusion, Shri C R Patil emphasized that “Jal hai to kal hai” – water security ensures a strong future. Wealth accumulation is important, but water conservation is critical. With time on our side and PM Modi’s leadership, India is on the right path to securing its water future, he added.

The chief guests and dignitaries attending the Second All India Conference of State Water Ministers were presented with ‘Piku,’ the mascot of the National Water Mission (NWM), as a commemorative memento. ‘Piku’ represents the peacock, India’s national bird, symbolizing water conservation and environmental balance. This unique memento was beautifully crafted by tribal women artists from Udaipur and surrounding regions, showcasing their traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The initiative not only promotes local artisans but also strengthens public participation in water conservation. Moreover, it aligns with the theme of “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti,” which emphasizes the vital role of women in water conservation efforts.

The Chief Ministers of Odisha and Tripura, and the Deputy Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka graced the inaugural function of the conference with their presence.

Odisha CM  Mohan Charan Majhi highlights the critical importance of water resource management and Odisha’s proactive initiatives. CM emphasized that water is the lifeline of civilization, shaping humanity’s destiny and sustaining communities.CM called for inter-state collaboration on water governance, advocating a basin-centric approach and the establishment of a National Water Innovation Hub. He urged all stakeholders to embrace sustainability, resilience, and technological advancements to ensure water security for future generation
The All-India State Water Ministers’ Conference is being held in Udaipur from 18-19 February 2024 to further strengthen efforts toward achieving water security and Viksit Bharat by 2047. This prestigious conference was graced by 30 Ministers and over 300 delegates from Central and State Governments during these two days. The conference will feature approximately 35 presentations across six themes, 5 e-launches, and 15 video showcases highlighting key interventions.

About Editor in chief

Ashok Palit has completed his graduation from Upendranath College Soro, Balasore and post graduation from Utkal University in Odia Language and literture.. He has also carved out a niche for himself as a scribe of eminence after joining the profession in 1988. He is also an independent media production professional. He brings loads of experience to Advanced Media, Ashok Palit as a cineaste has been active in film criticism for over three decades. As a film society activist, he soared to eminence for his profound commitment to the art film appreciation and aesthetics of cinema. His mode of discourse is often erudite but always lucid and comprehensible marked by a perfect acumen so rare in the field. A film aesthete with an immense fond of critical sensibilities, he wrote about growth and development of odia cinema in New Indian Express, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The Asian Age and Screen. He has been working as an Editor for Cine Samaya from 2002-2004.. He had made solid contribution on cinema in many odia Dailies and weekly such as Samaj, Prajatantra, Dharatri, Samaya, Satabadi, and weekly Samaya.
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