On World Water Day, pledge to save canals

Rohtak: To promote water conservation and environmental responsibility, an awareness programme was organised by the 'Suno Nahron Ki Pukar' Mission on Sunday.The event held near the canal bridge in Rohtak, along the Delhi bypass, drew participation from key experts and local stakeholders, reinforcing the urgency of protecting freshwater resources.Executive engineer Ramniwas, from the JLN Feeder division of the irrigation department, and Dharam Singh, retired scientist from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, were also present.Addressing the gathering, Ramniwas highlighted a growing societal indifference towards water purity. He warned that unchecked pollution was rapidly degrading rivers and canals, turning these into drainage channels. Urging citizens to move beyond blind practices and adopt informed behaviour, he stressed that dumping material into canals significantly worsened water contamination.Citing various scientific reports, Ramniwas pointed out the alarming presence of harmful substances such as microplastics, arsenic, and uranium in water bodies, posing serious threats to human health and ecological balance.Dharam Singh lauded the mission's efforts, describing the members' emotional and ethical commitment to water conservation as deeply inspiring. Emphasising the need for sustainable development, he invoked the timeless wisdom of poet Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana to underline the indispensable value of water. He called for greater awareness and collective responsibility in safeguarding natural resources.Founder and chief patron of the mission, Jasmer Singh, shed light on this year's World Water Day theme — Water and Gender Equality. He underscored the importance of inclusive participation across all sections of society, noting that equitable access to water and shared responsibility are key to long-term sustainability.The event concluded with a renewed pledge among participants to protect canals and promote environmentally conscious practices. MSID:: 129734189 413 |