President Droupadi Murmu Advocates for Water Conservation
In New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in conserving water resources during the 5th National Water Awards ceremony. She highlighted the historical significance of water in human civilization and expressed concern over the contamination and depletion of freshwater resources.
Challenges in Water Availability
President Murmu noted the declining per capita water availability in India due to population growth. A study by the Central Water Commission assessed the average annual per capita water availability for 2021 and 2031 as 1486 and 1367 cubic meters, respectively. Water stress is defined as availability below 1700 cubic meters, and scarcity below 1000 cubic meters.
Government Initiatives
The government has launched several initiatives to address water conservation and supply. The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024. AMRUT 2.0, launched in 2021, seeks to ensure universal water supply coverage in cities. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna focuses on efficient water use in agriculture, with an extension approved until 2025-26.
Other efforts include the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency, the “Sahi Fasal” campaign to encourage less water-intensive crops, and Mission Amrit Sarovar, which aims to rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district.
Doubts Revealed
Droupadi Murmu -: Droupadi Murmu is the President of India. She is an important leader who represents the country and takes part in important events and decisions.
National Water Awards -: The National Water Awards are given by the Indian government to recognize and encourage efforts in water conservation and management. It’s like a prize for people and organizations who do good work to save water.
Water Conservation -: Water conservation means using water wisely and not wasting it. It’s important because water is a precious resource that we need for drinking, farming, and many other things.
Jal Jeevan Mission -: Jal Jeevan Mission is a government program in India that aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to every household in rural areas through tap connections.
AMRUT 2.0 -: AMRUT 2.0 stands for Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. It’s a government initiative to improve water supply and sewage systems in cities, making them better places to live.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna -: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna is a government scheme in India to improve irrigation and water use in agriculture. It helps farmers get enough water for their crops.
Per Capita Water Availability -: Per capita water availability means the average amount of water available for each person. It can decrease if the population grows and there is not enough water to go around.