Collective commitment needed for water conservation: Pawan Kalyan

Emphasizing the urgent need to protect water resources, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan called for a collective commitment toward water conservation, stating that safeguarding every drop of water is essential for future generations.

He was speaking after inaugurating a one-day workshop on “Sustainability of Water Resources in Rural Drinking Water Supply Systems” held here on Tuesday (April 07).

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Pawan Kalyan stressed that awareness about water conservation must begin at the household level and extend to larger ecosystems such as streams, rivulets, and rivers. Efforts should be made to recharge the ground water wherever possible, and wastage of water flowing into the sea must be minimized through effective conservation strategies.

“Water availability directly influences development and quality of life. Rivers like Godavari, Krishna, Penna, and Vamsadhara are the lifelines of Andhra Pradesh and have played a crucial role in making the State agriculturally strong,” he said. However, he cautioned that both surface and groundwater resources are under increasing stress, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.

Highlighting the challenges in rural water supply, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that limited availability of surface water, depletion of groundwater levels, and water pollution are major hurdles in ensuring safe drinking water for every household. The government is preparing plans to rejuvenate watersheds, particularly in agency and hilly regions, to address seasonal water shortages. Adopting modern technology and ensuring public participation are key to overcoming water scarcity, he that people’s involvement is essential for the success of conservation initiatives.

Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the State government would move forward in line with the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe drinking water to every household. The government will prioritize water conservation in the upcoming Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. As part of these efforts, the State has launched a “100-Day Water Usage Drive” from April 6 to July 14. The campaign focuses on increasing groundwater levels, preventing water wastage, promoting efficient usage, and harvesting rainwater.

“Human life is deeply connected with nature. Protecting natural resources ensures a better future. Only by maintaining a balance between life and nature can we secure sustainability,” he said.

Senior officials, including Special Chief Secretary (Panchayati Raj & Rural Development) Shashibhushan Kumar, Pollution Control Board Chairman P. Krishnaiah, APSIRD Commissioner Muthyala Raju, and Annamayya District Collector Nishant Kumar, among others, participated in the workshop.