Rajasthan Minister Affirms Commitment to Dam Safety and River Restoration
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Synopsis
Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister, Suresh Singh Rawat, highlighted the importance of collective water management and affirmed the government's commitment to dam safety, rehabilitation, and river revival during a conference in Udaipur.
Key Takeaways
- Water management as a shared responsibility.
- Commitment to dam safety and river revival.
- Importance of water conservation since Vedic times.
- Focus on modern water management and heritage preservation.
- Collaboration between Central and State governments.
Udaipur, Feb 17 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister, Suresh Singh Rawat, on Monday, emphasized that water management is a collective duty and reiterated the state government's dedication to dam safety, rehabilitation efforts, and the revitalization of ancient rivers.
He made these remarks during the State Level Conference on Dam Safety, Rehabilitation, and the Dam Safety Act, 2021, held in Udaipur.
Minister Rawat pointed out that water conservation has been a longstanding tradition since the Vedic era, with rainwater collected in dams and anicuts throughout India.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Rajasthan government is advancing modern water management while honoring the state’s rich heritage, following the principle of "Development along with Heritage".
The Minister highlighted the vital functions of dams in water storage, irrigation, power generation, flood management, and providing drinking water.
He referred to every drop of water in Rajasthan as invaluable, asserting that dams are a crucial measure of economic well-being and human need.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the government is concentrating on: establishing new dams and fortifying existing ones, implementing a water grid as outlined in the state’s initial Budget, ensuring a consistent flow of water downstream, reviving local rivers, and enhancing dam safety protocols through professional and proactive oversight.
Minister Rawat called upon engineers to embrace a professional and scientific mindset for real-time monitoring, precise risk evaluation, and proactive safety solutions for dams.
During the meeting, Rakesh Kashyap, Chief Engineer of the Central Water Commission, underscored the collaborative efforts of both Central and State governments to improve dam safety.
Ravi Solanki, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, also contributed his thoughts on the subject.
The conference included discussions by specialists on critical topics, such as the state government's strategy for Dam Safety and Management, challenges in enforcing the Dam Safety Act, the significance of Drip Irrigation, exemplary practices for Dam Safety at Bisalpur Dam, and rehabilitation initiatives at Mahi Dam under the DRIP Programme.
The event saw participation from senior administrative officials, engineers, and water management specialists, all devoted to enhancing Rajasthan's water security and dam safety efforts.
