Changing Global Scenario adds to complexities associated with Water Resources Development & Management – Prof. Soz
Prof. Saifuddin Soz, the Union Minister of Water Resources has said that the changing global scenario has added to the complexities associated with water resources development and management. It is, therefore, necessary to have a comprehensive planning to address the growing needs for various purposes. Addressing at the inaugural session the ‘Business meet on Environment & Water Technologies’ organized by the Embassy of Denmark and Confederation of Indian Industry on the occasion of India-Danish Water Days, here today; he said that it is also equally important to develop the resources in a sustainable manner. In order to ensure sustainable development for meeting the various demands, we have to adopt integrated approach for planning and regulation of the water resources system.
Prof. Soz stressed that the objectives of integrated water resources development and management can be achieved through application of latest techniques and technologies in the processes of planning, implementation and management of water resources with very active participation of experts on one hand and the stakeholders on the other hand. Moreover, the objective of development remains unfulfilled unless all sections of the society are made partners in the development process. It has to be ensured that people living in the villages are equally benefited by the process of development. The real development will be achieved only when all sections of the society, particularly, the weaker sections are in a position to reap the benefits of the development.
Prof. Soz laid emphasis on sustainable development and said that there are instances of unsustainable development, particularly of groundwater resources, which have resulted in lowering in groundwater table in certain areas. Such decline in ground water table has also been partly responsible for deterioration of quality of ground water. It has to be ensured that such instances are not repeated and all the developments are planned in a sustainable manner. It is for this reason that Government of India has constituted the ‘Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Advisory Council’ where water experts and NGOs are working to build ways of conserving rainwater and recharging groundwater.
The Minister opined that the interface between the governance and the civil society offers exciting possibilities and if handled properly, can yield rich dividends. This is even more true in the case of water sector where the feedback from the end users is imperative for devising future planning and strategies. He strongly felt that for the success of any scheme, the participation of people and all stakeholders is a must. The Government of India has been advocating the importance of the participatory approach in water resources development and management. Active cooperation and participation of the Water Users’ Associations, various Non-Governmental organizations etc. is needed in this endeavour.
Prof. Soz stressed that the Research and development play vital role in proper evaluation of the challenges and in identifying the strategies to address the problems. This is one area which calls for maximum cooperation among all and we must learn from the experience of each other.
He admired that the professionals from India and Denmark, particularly those from Danish Hydraulic Institute have worked together on some of the projects, which relate to flood forecasting and hydrology with successful results.
Prof. Saifuddin Soz, the Union Minister of Water Resources has said that the changing global scenario has added to the complexities associated with water resources development and management. It is, therefore, necessary to have a comprehensive planning to address the growing needs for various purposes. Addressing at the inaugural session the ‘Business meet on Environment & Water Technologies’ organized by the Embassy of Denmark and Confederation of Indian Industry on the occasion of India-Danish Water Days, here today; he said that it is also equally important to develop the resources in a sustainable manner. In order to ensure sustainable development for meeting the various demands, we have to adopt integrated approach for planning and regulation of the water resources system.
Prof. Soz stressed that the objectives of integrated water resources development and management can be achieved through application of latest techniques and technologies in the processes of planning, implementation and management of water resources with very active participation of experts on one hand and the stakeholders on the other hand. Moreover, the objective of development remains unfulfilled unless all sections of the society are made partners in the development process. It has to be ensured that people living in the villages are equally benefited by the process of development. The real development will be achieved only when all sections of the society, particularly, the weaker sections are in a position to reap the benefits of the development.
Prof. Soz laid emphasis on sustainable development and said that there are instances of unsustainable development, particularly of groundwater resources, which have resulted in lowering in groundwater table in certain areas. Such decline in ground water table has also been partly responsible for deterioration of quality of ground water. It has to be ensured that such instances are not repeated and all the developments are planned in a sustainable manner. It is for this reason that Government of India has constituted the ‘Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Advisory Council’ where water experts and NGOs are working to build ways of conserving rainwater and recharging groundwater.
The Minister opined that the interface between the governance and the civil society offers exciting possibilities and if handled properly, can yield rich dividends. This is even more true in the case of water sector where the feedback from the end users is imperative for devising future planning and strategies. He strongly felt that for the success of any scheme, the participation of people and all stakeholders is a must. The Government of India has been advocating the importance of the participatory approach in water resources development and management. Active cooperation and participation of the Water Users’ Associations, various Non-Governmental organizations etc. is needed in this endeavour.
Prof. Soz stressed that the Research and development play vital role in proper evaluation of the challenges and in identifying the strategies to address the problems. This is one area which calls for maximum cooperation among all and we must learn from the experience of each other.
He admired that the professionals from India and Denmark, particularly those from Danish Hydraulic Institute have worked together on some of the projects, which relate to flood forecasting and hydrology with successful results.
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