Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday dedicated the 14th Edition of the ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ programme to all those Citizens and Panchayats of J-K which have stepped forward with a strong resolve for the revival of Traditional Water Bodies.
The radio programme was aired today on all local and primary channels of All India Radio (AIR) in the UT and broadcast on DD Kashmir.
Every person is the custodian of the Earth and its resources and the efforts being made by them will prove helpful in balancing both Economic Development and Environment, the Lt Governor observed in his opening remarks.
“Traditional ponds and water sources sustain life. Civilisations and Economies have prospered around water sources. In our quest to revive traditional water bodies, the Panchayats of district Doda, Samba, Bandipora, Budgam, Kathua and Ramban, besides a large number of conscious citizens from all walks of life have come forward and shown a strong resolve”, the Lt Governor said.
Noting that for the past few years, the effects of climate change have been visible all over the world, the Lt Governor said that Climate change is reminding us to respect and restore the delicate balance of nature and strive for optimal utilization of the existing water resources.
LG called upon all sections of the society to actively participate to protect ecology during this challenging time.
“Ponds and water bodies are like family members, and with this belief and tradition we can build a secure future for the young generations. The concerned authorities must focus on time-tested traditional methods of water management,” he added.
“In the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari, efforts need to be made from all corners to revive water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir and reduce the impact of the catastrophic climate change which is affecting health, ecology, agriculture and water supply in the UT.”
LG noted that the commitment and determination of the public representatives of Local bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions have resulted in the revival of pond of Mohalla Saran Singh of Jakhole town in Kathua district that had become a victim of encroachment 52 years ago.
“In Kathua district alone, 152 ponds have come alive again in the last one year with the collective efforts of various departments of administration and public representatives.”
Anantnag has been known for its water springs for centuries. But, unfortunately, these important sources of freshwater had become non-living. In the last one year, the Panchayati Raj Institutions together with local administration have revived 12 freshwater springs.
In Ramban district, 70 water bodies have been revived within a year. Panchayats of Doda district have revived 71 water bodies. The work of reviving 316 ponds and wells of different panchayats of Jammu district has also been done.
In Samba district, with the combined efforts of the Rural Development Department and the Panchayats, 148 water bodies have been revived, including some very old ponds which had become lifeless due to encroachment. 12 Panchayats of Bandipora have formed committees and done important work to revive the dying water springs there. Bandipora District Administration has also removed 114 encroachments from Jhelum River.
“A total of 186 water springs and other water bodies have been revived in Budgam with the help of citizens and public representatives of the Panchayat,” LG said.
