Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Steers 37th NWDA Annual General Meeting; 8th India Water Week-2024 Launched

The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, took charge of the 37th Annual General Meeting of NWDA Society and the 21st Meeting of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers (SCILR) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre on December 14 in New Delhi. The meeting also witnessed the official launch of the 8th India Water Week-2024, an international mega event aimed at fostering collaboration and inclusive water development.

India Water Week-2024: A Global Forum for Water Management

In a significant move, the Union Minister inaugurated the website for the 8th India Water Week, scheduled to be held from September 17 to 21, 2024, in New Delhi. This event aims to explore the theme of 'Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management' on a global scale.

Key Attendees & Virtual Participation

The meeting boasted the presence of key dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu and the Minister for PWD, Govt. of Puducherry K. Lakshminarayan. The Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Chairman of CWC, and ACS/Principal Secretaries from various states were also in attendance. Minister of WRD, Govt. of Bihar Sanjay Kumar Jha addressed the meeting virtually.

Shekhawat's Emphasis on Water Resources Development

During his opening remarks, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the critical role of water in socio-economic development. The Government of India has prioritized the development and management of water resources, with the Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) Programme standing out as a key initiative to enhance water and food security in the country.

Progress & Achievements: Ken Betwa Link Project

Shekhawat highlighted the initiation of the implementation of the Ken Betwa Link Project, marking a significant milestone under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) in December 2021. The project, a potential boon for the Bundelkhand region, sets a precedent for other states to engage in similar endeavors. He expressed satisfaction at the cooperation of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, indicating progress towards the implementation of the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link project.

Deliberations & Discussions

The meeting included a detailed presentation by the Director General of NWDA on the agenda items, focusing on the status of ongoing projects, pending issues, and bottlenecks related to Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) initiatives. Discussions covered the Annual Report & Audited Accounts for the year 2022-23 of NWDA and Intra State links. Representatives from various states shared their views and observations on the interlinking of rivers projects.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the chair, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and a vote of thanks by the Director General of NWDA to the Ministers, participating members, and state representatives. The collaborative efforts and discussions at this annual gathering contribute significantly to shaping the future of water resource management in India.