News @ Jains - JAIN - INCID KRISHI SINCHAI VIKAS PURASKAR – 2006
Presented on World Water Day celebration

Prof. Soz presented the “JAIN - INCID Krishi Sinchai Vikas Puraskar – 2006” award consisting of a cheque of Rs. 51,000 and a citation to a senior scientist Prof. Paramjeet Singh Minhas for his contribution in the field of Water Sector.

This function organized on the occasion of World Water Day. Prof. Saifuddin Soz, Union Minister for Water Resources and Guest of Honour Shri. Pritam Singh, former Chairman Central Water Commission along with Shri. J.Harinarayan, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources present at the function.

"JAIN-INCID KRISHI SINCHAI VIKAS PURASKAR - 2006" award conferred on any individual; group or an organization for significant contribution towards development of modern technologies in the field of farm irrigation, drainage and related subjects.

At this time Prof. Saifuddin Soz said, Optimal utilization of water resources through appropriate measures for the development and efficient management is necessary for the benefit of the people, particularly poor people.

He said that we have, no doubt, made considerable achievement in creation of irrigation facilities and providing drinking water etc. through development of surface and ground water resources. But in view of growing needs, we have to do a lot more in respect of development as well as efficient management of water resources.

Prof. Soz opined that two important concerns related to water are the decreasing per capita water availability and the water quality issues. Sustainable development and efficient management of the water resources is the key for economic growth and poverty alleviation. While this is universally applicable, it is more so for India where almost 75% of the population is dependent on agriculture, he added.

The Minister emphasized that adoption of latest techniques and technology, both at macro and micro level, are necessary to ensure the optimum and efficient use of water. Apart from measures for improving the efficiency of larger water facilities, due emphasis has to be given to measures like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting and ground water recharge, watershed development etc.

Lauding the contribution of several non-governmental organizations in this effort, Shri Soz said that we have also undertaken studies and research schemes on efficiency of irrigation system, water audit in industries and development of water accounting guidelines. Local actions must be encouraged. Our technical and research organizations should undertake transfer of technology to the stakeholder and public private partnership in these areas should be encouraged, he said.

Referring to the Government’s priority to water and involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions in water sector, Prof. Soz said that under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, number of activities have been identified to be taken up with focus on water conservation and water harvesting; drought proofing; irrigation canals including micro and minor irrigation works; provision of irrigation facilities to land owned by households belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes or to land or beneficiaries under the Indira Awas Yojana of the Government of India; renovation of traditional water bodies including desilting of tanks; and flood control and protection works including drainage in water logged areas. He also released three publications brought out by Indian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (INCID) on the occasion.

Addressing on the occasion Shri. J.Harinarayan, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources said that the theme of World Water Day-2006, “Water and Culture” aims at creating awareness among all stakeholders for promotion, conservation and utilization of water, which is so vital for our sustenance and growth. He emphasized that it is bounden duty of everyone to pledge to preserve the available water resources in acceptable quality and quantity. He expressed his concern on the impart of Global Warming affecting the availability of water.

In his address the Guest of Honour Shri. Pritam Singh, former Chairman Central Water Commission said that water has always been given a sacred and unique position across all cultures and civilizations. Each region of the world has a different way of holding water sacred, but each recognizes its value, and its central place in human lives. Cultural traditions, indigenous practices, and societal values determine how people perceive and manage water in the world’s different regions. Earlier, Shri S.K.Das, Member (D&R), CWC made a presentation on “Emerging Issues in Water Resources Sector”.