Chief minister Mamata Banerjee along with her cabinet colleagues, members of the civil society and sportsperson participated in a walk from Jorasnako on Central Avenue to Mayo Road to spread awareness about water conservation.
The state government had earlier announced to observe July 12 as Save Water Day to spread awareness about water conservation and emphasis on the crisis that wasting water indiscriminately can lead to. Last month drying up of reservoirs led to a water crisis in Chennai which even led to street fights over water.
“What Bengal thinks today, the entire worlds thinks tomorrow. Let us make a beginning and start conserving water. It is a precious commodity which we have to realise. The state has led the way by launching several initiatives in conservation of water. We have not even created more than 3 lakh waterbodies across the state but also laid stress on rain water harvesting,” said Mamata Banerjee addressing a gathering on Mayo Road.
Kolkata is not staring at a water crisis yet, but environmentalists, government agencies and town planners have already set alarm bells ringing. Rapid urbanisation, massive use of groundwater, filling up of waterbodies, construction of concrete pavements along with climate change and mindless misuse have already made the signs of water stress in the city and the region apparent.
Everyone present at the programme took a pledge to conserve water in every possible way. A song written and composed by the chief minister on water conservation was also played at the programme.
She urged school students to play a big part in spreading awareness about water conversation amidst loud applause from them who were present in a big number in the awareness rally.
Source: Times of India
