Manipur CM launches ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign

Our Correspondent

Imphal, March 29 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain Campaign- 2022 with an objective for intensive water conservation measures in the identified water stressed blocks and districts across the country.

A pledge on water conversation was also administered during the programme.

Speaking during the occasion, Biren Singh stated that the campaign would be taken up in all districts of the Manipur on the theme “Catch the Rain, where it falls, when it falls” and the campaign would be implemented from March 29 till November 30, 2022.

Continuing that elders were more careful about rain water harvesting and conserving water, he stressed the need to set up rain water harvesting methods in all government offices, schools and colleges. He continued that the harvested water could be stored and treated for use in the particular area.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that water conservation is related to the Green Manipur Mission of the government and would help in maintenance of cleanliness in the state.

‘Therefore, Water Conservation work and Green Manipur Mission should be taken up simultaneously’, he added. Expressing dissatisfaction on large-scale deforestation for poppy plantation in hill areas, he stated that the state government had started taking up measures for tree plantation to conserve forest areas.

He informed that the Water Resources department would be the nodal department for carrying out the campaign. Jal Shakti Kendras would be set up in all districts of the state and the kendras would act as knowledge centres for disseminating information related to techniques for water conservation.

Stating that special focus would be made in mapping of springs and springs shed and its rejuvenation and management, he also expressed the necessity for involvement of Sarpanches, Zila Parishads, Pradhans and ADC members among others for successful implementation of the campaign.

 The Chief Minister further stated that the sensitisation process of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Sangathan and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) on the campaign would be taken up on priority basis.

Deputy Commissioners would proactively lead the campaign in their respective districts and progress of works and activities undertaken would be updated regularly, he added.

He also sought support and involvement of civil society organisations and the public in the campaign so that rain water harvesting and conservation processes could be taken up at the grassroots.