LUCKNOW – In a move to address the escalating concerns over global water scarcity, Rajiv Kumar, Chief Engineer of the Central Water Commission (CWC), emphasized that turning water conservation into a mass movement is the need of the hour. His remarks came during an exclusive conversation with RJ Abhishek Sharma, broadcast via Radio KGMU Goonj, the community radio station of King George’s Medical University.
A Call for Individual Responsibility
Speaking on the potential for a severe future water crisis, Mr. Kumar appealed to the public to practice “water wisdom” in their daily lives. He noted that while policy changes are essential, significant impact starts with curbing unnecessary waste at the individual level.
“Water conservation is not merely a government mandate; it is a collective responsibility of every citizen,” Mr. Kumar stated.
Modernizing Agriculture and Conservation
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the agricultural sector, which accounts for the majority of fresh water consumption in India. Kumar expressed concern over traditional, water-intensive irrigation methods and urged farmers to transition toward modern, efficient technologies.
Key recommendations included:
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Precision Irrigation: Adoption of Drip and Sprinkler systems to minimize evaporation and runoff.
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Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing and storing rainwater to recharge depleting aquifers.
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Groundwater Protection: Regulating extraction to prevent the irreversible sinking of water tables.
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Revitalization of Local Sources: Restoring traditional ponds, wells, and local water bodies.
Collaborative Efforts
Kumar extended his gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Sonia Nityanand, Honorable Vice Chancellor of KGMU, and the Executive Officer of Radio KGMU Goonj for providing a platform to reach the masses. He expressed a strong commitment to participating in future awareness programs to ensure the message of sustainability reaches every household.
The broadcast serves as a reminder that as urban centers like Lucknow grow, the balance between demand and supply depends heavily on the proactive conservation efforts initiated today.
