Tuesday, 18 February 2025 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Uttarakhand is an important water tower of the country as it houses many glaciers and sources of rivers. He said that the State government is working in the field of springshed management and environmental conservation on priority.
The CM was addressing a seminar on ‘springshed management and climate adaptation: strategies for sustainable development in Indian Himalayan region’ organised under the joint aegis of NITI Aayog, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development here on Monday.
He claimed that many works are being undertaken in Uttarakhand for resolving the problem of climate change. The CM said that the State has constituted a
Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA) for encouraging water conservation. Under this initiative the government has identified 5,500 terrestrial water resources and 292 streams for necessary action. He added that large scale plantation was done on Harela and 1,092 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed in the State so far. Dhami further said that the State government has proposed a plan to link Pinder with Kosi and Gagas and Gomti with Garud River.
He expressed hope that the workshop will prove to be an important initiative in the direction of scientific rejuvenation of the water sources of the country.
Suman K Beri of NITI Aayog emphasised on the importance of reverse migration of the people of villages in the Himalayan States. He said that the Vibrant Village scheme can be used in this endeavour by creating employment opportunities and basic facilities in villages.
He said that special focus should be laid on the use of science, community participation and women empowerment to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
Irrigation minister, Satpal Maharaj said that climate change is exerting a negative effect on the natural water sources. He said that water sources are traditionally considered sacred and worshipped in Uttarakhand. The minister stressed on the importance of collective efforts for water conservation.
NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat, chief secretary Radha Raturi, NITI Aayog advisor Surendra Mehra and others attended the workshop.
