No civil constructions, only natural methods to be used to conserve and rejuvenate natural water sources: DM
Monday, September 30, 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
In a bid to conserve and rejuvenate natural water sources, Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal has announced that no civil constructions will be undertaken for the conservation of streams, springs, rivers and lakes. Instead, natural methods using local soil and stones will be employed to ensure the preservation of their historical and ecological significance. He stated this on the occasion of water conservation and revitalisation campaign that started at Rajpur’s Bawdi located on Old Mussoorie Road on Sunday.
Bansal, along with social organisations and public service institutions, inspected the site. He also talked about the significance of the initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for nationwide water conservation efforts and supported by the leadership of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He said that effective work plans are in progress to preserve natural water sources like streams and rivers in Dehradun district.
He urged local residents, social organisations and self-help groups to actively participate in this campaign. The DM also drank water from the historic bawdi during the inspection to symbolise his commitment to the cause. He said that the campaign aims not only to ensure water conservation but also to reconnect local communities with their cultural heritage. He highlighted that by adopting traditional methods, the campaign can provide clean drinking water to both people and animals in their natural habitats.
As part of this initiative, many organisations are working tirelessly to conserve these water bodies through natural and scientific methods. Bansal reiterated that the goal is to use only local materials like soil and stones for conservation efforts to maintain the historical significance of these water sources.
He informed that a survey of 70 water sources, including dharas, naulas and bawdis, was conducted within and around Dehradun city as part of this ongoing campaign. The district administration will continue to conserve these water sources with the help of local communities and social organisations. He further stated that environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Kalyan Singh Rawat of Maiti movement has also been included as a member of the district’s water conservation committee to strengthen the campaign. His expertise in water conservation will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the campaign through natural and scientific means. The ongoing efforts to conserve water sources in Dehradun will be supported and all related expenses are being reportedly borne by the DM from his own resources.
