- IX World Aqua Congress 2015 Highlights Traditional Wisdom
- Aqua Foundation’s Excellence Awards given out
The 2-day World Aqua Congress 2015 concluded in Delhi, attracting the best minds from the Water conservation space.
Sushri Uma Bharti, Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation was the Chief Guest for the event which focused on “
Reviving Traditional Water & Environment Conservation Techniques”. This annual event was organised by Aqua Foundation to bring all stakeholders together (policy makers, researchers, academicians, NGOs, technology providers, corporates). The conference aims to collate various conservation techniques, initiate a dialogue on policy issues and come up with a policy note as an outcome of the conference. Aqua Foundation has already played a vital role in bringing about certain policy inclusions in past including Bureau of Water Efficiency and Aquifer Mapping programs.
The inaugural speech was given by Sri Anupam Mishra, noted Gandhian, environmentalist and well-known writer on indigenous methods of water conservation.
“
Water is Life”, Uma Bharti said. “
Without water, existence is not possible. For long, we have continued to neglect this basic aspect, but mankind now needs to wake up to the reality. There are innumerable instances in our history and tradition that showcase the wisdom of traditional water conservation methodologies, and we would do good to match these with modern tools to create the most effective and scientifically-proven conservation techniques. Prime Minister Modi has put this on high priority. My ministry and the government are committed to this subject.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mooted the idea of advance preparation for the monsoon in year 2015 to significantly increase water storage capacity in check dams, ponds and tanks, and help in improving storage and rejuvenating structures by following our age – old traditional methods of conserving our resources. India has declared 2015-16 as the Water Conservation Year, highlighting the government’s attention on this subject. This formed the basis and the inspiration for the theme of this year’s World Aqua Congress.
According to Shri Anupam Mishra, “
Even in the 25th century, Rajasthan will continue to use only indigenous methods of water conservation. The knowledge that they have gained through experience is revered. Any attempt to introduce non-indigenous technology is bound to fail.”
‘Aqua Foundation’s Excellence Awards' were the other highlights of the event. These awards are given to promote, encourage & recognise innovations and contributions in the field of water, environment & humanity. Eleven awards were given away by Sushri Uma Bharti in various categories
| Award Category | Awardee |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Shri Anupam Mishra |
| Natural Resource Management Using Traditional Wisdom | Gram Vikash Navyuvak Mandal Laporiya |
| Promoting Sustainable Agriculture | Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. (AFS) |
| Outstanding Contribution Towards Cause of Sustainability Public Sector | Mecon Limited |
| Protection of the Quality and Supply of Freshwater Resources | Star India Pvt. Ltd |
| Outstanding Contribution Towards Cause of Sustainability Social Sector | Govardhan Eco Village |
| Green Housing | Bougainvilla Hermitage Pvt. Ltd |
| Professional Excellence (Individual) | Dr. Gopal Dhawan |
| Professional Excellence (Individual) | Er KB Biswas |
| Holistic Development of Angels of Humanity | Sardar Patel Vidya Niketan |
| Holistic Development of Angels of Humanity | Ryan International School, Sec 40, Gurgaon |
Speaking on the Conference, Dr. Sanjay Rana, renowned Geophysicist and Chairman of Aqua Foundation said, “
For long, traditional wisdom has been seen as opposite of modern science. The organization is tirelessly working to change this notion and incorporate useful elements of traditional conservation practices as well as modern science and technology, to arrive at a comprehensive solution to present day's problems and future challenges.”
Sharing her thoughts Ms Praggya Sharmaa, Organizing Secretary, IX World Aqua Congress 2015 said, “
People and organisations, both private and governmental, understand and recognise the need for concrete action. We have received tremendous response from organisations across the board to be involved in the process and catalyse concreate viable options for holistically dealing with present-day environmental challenges.”
For Event Details:
http://worldaquacongress.org/ For Details on Aqua Foundation:
http://www.aquafoundation.in/ 
No comments:
Post a Comment