President Droupadi Murmu, in a speech on Tuesday, emphasized the significance of limited freshwater supply for a growing global population and increasing industrialization. He stated that a large quantity of this available freshwater is distributed across international borders and that this “water resource” could be used to cause global conflict by any country.
As he inaugurated the seventh India Water Week in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Murmu noted that the water issue is inextricably linked to national security.
According to Murmu, this issue affects the entire world, highlighting the need for international cooperation to conserve and manage water resources.
According to the President, “a vast amount of freshwater is shared by two or more countries”. “Yeh Nanyuki Jal sansaadhan (this combined water resource) can be used as a weapon by any country against another and cause an international conflict.”
Therefore, international cooperation in water conservation and management is essential.
Among the countries participating in India Water Week are Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, and the European Union. He hoped all stakeholders would benefit from exchanging ideas and technologies.
As she noted, the water issue is multifaceted and complex, requiring all stakeholders’ cooperation.
The President emphasized the importance of proper management and use of water in irrigation, saying, “According to an estimate, about 80% of our country’s water is used for agriculture.”. Therefore, proper management and use of water for irrigation are essential for water conservation.”
As part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – an agriculture irrigation scheme – the country is increasing its irrigated area through irrigation. She stated that the scheme also envisages the adoption of precision irrigation and water-saving technologies to ensure “per drop more crop”.
According to Murmu, providing clean drinking water to India’s growing population will be a significant challenge shortly. “We all know that water is a limited resource, and only its proper use and recycling can ensure its sustainability for an extended period. As a result, we should all take care when consuming this resource, she added.
Anandiben Patel, the governor of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, Gajendra Shekhawat, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel, and senior officials attended the event.
On this occasion, Adityanath highlighted the efforts the Centre and the state government made to deliver clean drinking water to the people. In addition, he stated that more than 60 rivers had been revived in the state.
As a result, Shekhawat explained that issues related to water security now pose multi-sectoral challenges and that “all of us must work together holistically” to meet them.
