PR No – 107
9th May, 2025
New Delhi
Rotary District 3011 and PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHD RDF) in collaboration with the Water Management & Plumbing Skill Council to organize a seminar titled “जल ही जीवन है” – Water Conservation & Management
Rotary District 3011 , PHD Chamber’s Rural Development Foundation & Water Management & Plumbing Council have joined together to arrange a Seminar on Saturday 10th May 2025 afternoon at PHD House to create awareness about the critical need for conservation , avoidance of wastage and efficient management of water resources .
WATER is one of the most important elements of nature for the survival of living species yet we take it for granted . A large number of countries are already facing water scarcity and it is going to worsen in developing countries especially the Indian sub continent, Africa, Middle East and some parts of South America .There is an urgent need to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. We must take action to tackle the global water crisis, in support of Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations .
Rotary District 3011 has been earnestly promoting programmes & projects with emphasis on Water conservation through Rain Water harvesting , Rejuvenation of ponds, creations of check dams and creating awareness .
PHD Rural Development Foundation has been spearheading creation of check dams in Haryana & Rajasthan and transforming the lives in hundreds of villages with increased agricultural output and prosperity …
Water Management & Plumbing Skills focuses on the critical Water Sector and allied disciplines by creating programmes for skilling & upskilling of Indian work force
The seminar would bring together experts in the field and highlight projects and programmes of significant impact . Rotary International has given a grant of US$2 million which is an integrated project which includes a wide range of activities such as rain water harvesting , creation of check dams, rejuvenation of water bodies with free fruit plant distribution , provision of subsidy to marginal farmers for drip irrigation and small ponds creation , training classes with the help of knowledge partners such as Krishi Vikas Kendra , Pusa Institute , experts, technical advisors & two other knowledge partners who will coordinate with local governments to strengthen farmers’ capacity at the community level in four states – Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
The program aims to increase groundwater tables by 10-15 per cent each year, extend the area of cultivation by 20-30 per cent by increasing the availability of water, improve the incomes of approximately 60,000 farmers by an estimated 25-30 per cent, introduce drip irrigation to reduce soil erosion on 4,113 hectares (more than 10,000 acres) of land by planting native species and fruit trees. It is expected that with these integrated steps the income of the farmers will go up by 200%. Rotary International expects that the positive impact created in one geographical area should be publicized to spread the knowledge in other areas to create a multiplier effect .
The seminar is being addressed by Rotary District 3011 Governor Rtn Mahesh Sikka, PHD Rural Foundation Chairman – Mr Anil Khaitan , and noter water expert Mr Manu Bhatnagar, Principal Director , INTACH .
The platform will also be launching 100 million litres potable water conservation initiative through use of aerators . Rain water harvesting structures rejuvenation and recharge of abandoned borewells will also be initiated .
Case studies of Conservation projects which have benefitted large communities and villages in drought prone areas will be presented. The seminar will be attended by a wide cross section of persons from Corporates , Institutions to professionals, and citizens .
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Warm Regards,
Media Division, PHDCCI