Did Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurate a Revived Waterbody in Andhra Pradesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Restoration of a 150-year-old waterbody.
- Investment of Rs 1.20 crore for revitalization.
- Sustainable practices with coconut plantations.
- Facilities for community and cultural activities.
- Importance of water and soil conservation.
Amaravati, Nov 11 (NationPress) Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, has officially launched a restored water tank in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh during the 'Watershed Mahotsav' event on Tuesday.
Accompanied by Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, along with district minister Kandula Durgesh, he inaugurated the revitalized 21-acre waterbody, which has been refurbished at an investment of Rs 1.20 crore in Vengalayapalem of Guntur Rural Mandal.
Chouhan shared with reporters that this waterbody, which has a history of 150 years, was previously neglected but has now been brought back to life.
He praised the local administration for planting 250 coconut trees across a five-acre area, generating revenue dedicated to the upkeep of the waterbody, which he described as a model of sustainability.
Additionally, facilities such as a walking track, an open-air theatre, and an outdoor gym have been established, promoting cultural activities. Chouhan remarked, “This illustrates how a waterbody can serve multiple purposes.”
He emphasized the importance of water, stating, “Water is life. Without water, there is no life, and without soil, there is no agriculture.” He underscored the necessity for conserving both water and soil, calling the watershed mission and the 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana' a significant benefit for such conservation efforts.
Chouhan highlighted that numerous water bodies have been constructed under the watershed initiative, assisting in the recharge of groundwater and offering benefits to farmers.
He asserted, “While creating new water sources is crucial, we must recognize our old water structures as invaluable heritage. By adopting this model nationwide, we can restore these ancient water sources, ensuring water security for future generations.”
A program was also scheduled as part of the National Watershed Conference, organized by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development, in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. However, it was canceled due to the recent blast in New Delhi.