ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA AT THE VALEDICTORY FUNCTION OF THE NATIONAL CONGRESS ON GROUND WATER

New Delhi, 11th September 2007

Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution,

Prof. Saif-ud-din-Soz, Union Minister of Water Resources

Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav, Union Minister of State for Water Resources,

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Member of Parliament,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Water is the basis of all life - whether human, animal or plant. I believe that water is fundamental for sustaining human life, the ecological balance and for the very future of our planet. I am, therefore, very happy to be present at the Valedictory session of the "National Congress on Ground Water", which is focused on addressing water issues. I congratulate Prof. Saif-ud-din Soz for his initiative of bringing together stakeholders involved in the water sector to discuss and to identify appropriate approaches for management of ground water. I am glad to see that among those present in this gathering are eminent scientists, experts, engineers, economists, planners and representatives of various non-governmental organizations. I would also like to congratulate the recipients of the National Water Award and the Bhoomijal Samvardhan Puraskars.

Water is a resource that has multiple uses. It is used for agricultural activities, maintaining ecosystems, industrial purposes, hydro-power generation and in households, both for drinking and sanitation. As per current estimates, there are about 1.1 billion people in the world who do not have access to safe drinking water and another 2.6 billion who lack basic sanitation. The demand for water is increasing globally on account of the rising global population, expanding industrialization, growing urbanization and increased per capita consumption of water. It is estimated that there will be further aggravation of the water situation. Fears of water scarcity have led to predictions that in the future, water will be the cause of social and global conflicts.

The water resource of a country constitutes one of its vital national assets. India is gifted with extensive river systems and receives substantial annual precipitation but water continues to be a limited resource and under considerable pressure. Water resource management is going to be vitally important to sustain the needs of our population. In fact, one of the key determinants of our ability to continue on the path of growth and prosperity will depend on whether we are able to optimally utilise our water resources. Our efforts should be to augment our water reserves and to adopt water conservation practices to ensure that there is no water wastage. In situations of water scarcity, it is always the poor, marginalized and the women who are severely affected. Therefore, access to water supply should be an integral part of poverty eradication and women welfare programmes. Such holistic policies and practices will make it possible for water resources to be used more efficiently, effectively and equitably.

India has a long tradition of community-managed systems for water utilization, particularly irrigation and a rich tradition of water harvesting. These old methods along with new techniques and options offered by science and technology could be of immense help in water conservation strategies and practices. It is important to undertake dissemination of water management technologies so that these can be utilized by our farmers, urban users and industrial users.

We should undertake an extensive awareness campaign to make our people aware of the need to use water wisely. As they say "drop by drop is the mighty ocean made". Our efforts to save every drop of water, by using it sensibly, would go a long way in improving water availability. From the very beginning we should make our children "water-literate" so that they understand that water is a valuable commodity and should be used carefully. Water pollution is yet another important issue that requires our immediate attention. We need to maintain cleanliness of rivers, ponds, water reservoirs, wells and other water bodies in our country.

Due emphasis has been given by the Union as well the State Governments to water resources development and management but several challenges remain particularly those relating to declining ground water tables in some areas, deterioration of water quality and less than optimal utilization of existing facilities. These challenges can be effectively addressed only through integrated participatory approaches. Government agencies, professionals, voluntary organizations and the people should join hands for water conservation. I am glad that steps have been taken by the Government to popularize the conservation and augmentation of ground water and to make it a people's movement.

Local bodies such as municipalities and Gram Panchayats should be involved in the operation, maintenance and management of water infrastructure. Special attention should be paid to the needs of women and they should be fully involved in the planning and execution of water projects.

The Advisory Council for the Artificial Recharge of Ground Water has made very useful recommendations and we should initiate steps for translating these into action. I am confident that this important meeting will also have practicable suggestions for water management.

I once again congratulate the Ministry of Water Resources for organizing this Congress on a very relevant topic and appeal to all the people of the country to join hands to ensure proper conservation and efficient management of the precious ground water resources of our country.

Thank you.

JAI HIND !