STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Stressing the need for preservation and maintenance of traditional sources of water, the Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash said that every individual has to come forward to meet this crucial social responsibility.
The Minister was speaking at a seminar organised by the J&K Paryavaran Sanstha at IIIM Jammu to hold deliberations on preservation of the traditional water sources.
He said that kandi areas are facing acute shortage of water as the traditional sources like ponds and Bowlis which were catering to the needs of the people are perishing due to negligence.
“Most of the watershed projects have not been able to achieve the desired results due to lack of pragmatic approach” the minister said adding that these projects should be based on sustainable futuristic needs of the people.
The minister said that the traditional sources of water were surrounded by catchment areas which kept these sources charged. “But while catering to our developmental needs we have neglected this vital aspect resulting in depletion of these water sources and disturbance of the ecological balances of the areas”.
The minister said that these water resources should be used in judicious manner and asked the concerned departments to work in synergy to ensure that developmental goals are achieved while maintaining the ecological balance.
The minister said that efforts will be made to take up preservation and restoration of these traditional sources under the social corporate responsibility and involving various stakeholders in this noble cause .He said that the issues raised during the deliberation would be taken up with the concerned ministry and efforts would be made to take adequate steps.
Chief Conservator of Forest R.S Jasrotia gave a detailed presentation on “What are our traditional water sources’ and highlighted the reasons for their depleting water levels, especially in the Kandi areas and steps that should be taken to improve the scenario.
President Paryawaran Sanstha and other prominent persons attended the seminar.