July 12, 2019
Mamata Banerjee walks to raise awareness about water conservation
The whole world is passing through a critical phase of water scarcity. Several States in India are facing acute water shortage. In a bid to raise awareness about water conservation, Chief Minister had earlier declared July 12 as ‘Save Water Day’. On this occasion, she participated in a padyatra today.
The padyatra began from Jorasanko Thakurbari and ended near the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road. She was accompanied by her Cabinet colleagues, government officials and eminent intellectuals. She has even penned a pledge in Bangla for the occasion:
Jol sokoler, jol jiboner
Nodi-kondore, grihe ondore
Ghate-bondore, jol amrit.
Jole hashbo, bhalo basbo.
Jol dhorbo. Jol bhorbo.
Mamata Banerjee has also written a theme song for water conservation.
Highlights of her speech:
When we were drafting the Manifesto for 2011 Assembly elections, we decided to launch the ‘Jal Dharo Jal Bharo’ project and dig 50,000 ponds. We have created 3 lakh ponds in the last eight years
Many people make tall promises but cannot fulfill them. We must always keep our word. That is our biggest hallmark
We have set up check dams for water conservation. Every year we face floods due to water released by DVC. We have also undertaken the work for cleaning the irrigation canals
We have several regions (like Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia) which receive scant rainfall. By harvesting rain water, we have mitigated the loss
Often, we waste drinking water, which we must avoid. There are many people who do not have access to even a drop of water. We must use water judiciously, as per our needs
We must switch off fans and lights. Save water, save life. Save power, save the environment.
