Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant launched Jal Shakti Abhiyaan on the theme “Catch the Rain where it falls, when it falls” at a function organized by WRD Department at Ravindra Bhavan Sanquelim, today.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said our elders were more careful about rainwater harvesting and conserving water but now everyone feels that it should be done by the Government only. Collective efforts from Government and public can bring wonders in this direction, for which Government is ready to provide all the support he asserted.
Informing about the Surla project he said by utilizing District Mineral Fund and spending Rs.2.5 crore we are pumping water from a mining pit for irrigation. This is an unique project started in Goa, he said and added that in future the remaining mining pits across Goa will also be used for irrigation purposes. He highlighted various Government sponsored schemes which provide financial assistance for conserving and harvesting rainwater.
Mentioning the 6 dams all over Goa, he said Anjuna Dam is the most beautiful dam and can be effectively developed as a touristic spot, he added.
The Chief Minister also sought support and involvement of Village Panchayats and the public in the campaign so that rainwater harvesting and conservation processes could be taken up at the grassroots.
WRD Minister, Shri. Subhash Shirodkar stressed the need to preserve rainwater and informed about the future plans to promote Jal Shakti Abahiyan and creating awareness to enhance efforts to undertake rainwater harvesting and conserving water across Goa. The Department will organize taluka level competitions among Schools and the first best school in rainwater harvesting and conserving water will be awarded with Rs 50,000 and second best school will get Rs 25,000/-.
The Chief Minister released the handbook of the catch the Rain 2022 campaign and also distributed work orders to Society’s to construct Rain water harvesting pits.
Present on the occasion were Mayem MLA, Shri Premanand Shet, Bicholim MLA Shri Chandrakant Shetye, Chief Engineer, WRD, Shri Pramod Badami and other dignitaries.