Matribhumi Samachar English
Continuing with first day’s momentum, the Day-2 of the 8th India Water Week 2024 also witnessed an impressive turnout showcasing the great enthusiasm amongst the participants.
Three sessions of the Country Forum were held today. Experts from Denmark, Singapore, Guyana, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Morocco and Cambodia shared their experiences and highlighted their best practices in water sector. These sessions highlighted the opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between Governments and Businesses in water sector.
A joint High level Plenary session for the 6th India – EU Water Forum was conducted in the august presence of Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary. The Forum aimed to explore relevant areas in water sector as well as to put light on developments of India-EU Water Partnership to which the governmental representatives, experts, researchers, businesses and other stakeholders can contribute and benefit from. (Detailed Press Release: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2056022). Similarly separate sessions with Israel and Australia were also held to share innovative solutions and best practices in water management.
Another important part of the Day-2 of event was Water Leaders’ Forum covering important water themes on integrated surface and ground water storage management, demand management and Water Use Efficiency and other related sectors through presentations and deliberations by National / International Experts from industry, public sector, policy makers, research and academia, NGOs etc.
Three sessions of Practitioners’ Forum were also held today with experts sharing their experiences and lessons learnt in integrated water management in agriculture, spring-shed management and conservation initiatives for hilly states during implementation of schemes in water sector. These sessions witnessed an enthusiastic participation from States, sharing of data/information, partnership & co-operation with NGOs etc.
The attraction of Day-2 was a Youth Forum, especially planned for our nation’s young intellects. The session was graced by esteemed presence of Minister of State for Water Resources, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary who exhorted the young leaders to become water stewards; responsible for effective water management in their communities and beyond. About 200 students from different schools participated with enthusiasm and about 20 students delivered speeches on the topic – ‘Role of water in socio-economic development of country’.
Further, seven sessions of water conventions were held with active participation of stakeholders which offered a diverse and comprehensive perspective on the future of water management, featuring contributions from global leaders, policymakers, researchers, practitioners and young innovators.
Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Smt. Debashree Mukherjee was amongst several dignitaries visiting various stalls in the exhibition showcasing innovative water solutions. Smt. Mukherjee interacted with the media also emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management. The exhibition of the event continued to witness significant footfall highlighting the high level of interest amongst the visitors.
