On the occasion of World Water Day (March 22), a pledge to conserve water will be taken in all gram panchayats, taluk panchayats and zilla panchayats, said Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S Ashwathi stated in a press release.
Saplings will also be planted during the programme.
In order to promote the conservation of water, the state government has decided to observe 2019 as the ‘Water Year’. Various programmes would be organised in association with government departments, schools and colleges, non-government organizations and private companies, the CEO said.
Stating that 350 water bodies would be rejuvenated during the next two years, Ashwathi said. “New catchment areas will be identified in many areas in the district and 150 check-dams will be built for recharging groundwater and for rejuvenating natural water bodies,” she added.
The ZP CEO said that awareness would be created among people by conducting water literacy programmes and the public would be encouraged to be part of the water conservation movement.
Along with water conservation, afforestation would also be encouraged. Sustainability of water resources would be in focus. “Creation of a sustainable water culture is one of the prime objectives of the Water Year 2019,” Ashwathi added.