Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has suggested cost-effective solutions to transfer water from one basin to another within limited time frames, even with the same dam capacity.
“The canal and drainage systems play a crucial role in making this transfer possible. This matter deserves serious contemplation by this commission and the delegates,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the inaugural session of the week-long 25h International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage hosted by the AP government here on Thursday.
The Chief Minister said, “We have a large coastal area as also regions like Rayalaseema and the western parts of the South Coast. These areas often suffer from droughts, negatively impacting the livelihoods of our people. Being the lower riparian state vis-a-vis the major interstate rivers like Vamsadhara, Nagavali and Godavari, we experience water shortage during lean monsoon years and excessive flooding during years of intense rainfall.”
He said that to address these issues effectively, irrigation is the key. “The broader debate should revolve around transferring water during the monsoon season. Monsoons are increasingly uncertain due to global climate changes. Short, intense rainfall periods necessitate efficient water transfer between basins.”
“We must seek technically feasible, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly solutions to address these challenges,” Jagan Mohan Reddy said.
The chief guest was Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He delivered the ND Gulhati memorial lecture on ‘Ensuring Water and Food Security through Climate Resilient Infrastructure’, wherein he raised various issues, challenges, the way forward and the government's commitment to water resource management.
The inaugural function commenced with the ceremonial ritual of ‘Jal Bharo’, signifying the value of water for sustenance of life and harmonious relationship between environment and humans.
The prestigious ICID Congress brought together a global congregation of around 1,300 experts, researchers and professionals, which include 350 foreign delegates from 40 countries.
Three publications, namely ‘Abstract Volume of 25th ICID Congress’, ‘Historical Water Sustainability Publications’ and ‘World Heritage Irrigation Structure’ were released by the Jal Shakti minister and Chief Minister. Along with this, three heritage irrigation structures –the Prakasham Barrage, Sri Vaikuntam Anicut, Tamil Nadu and Balidiha Irrigation Project, Odisha were acknowledged.
The International Congress will feature a wide range of sessions, lectures and workshops covering various aspects of irrigation and drainage, including technological advancements, policy frameworks and best practices.
“The theme of this International Congress -‘Tackling Water Scarcity in Agriculture’ holds profound importance, as water scarcity in agriculture is a challenge that affects every part of the entire world. Agriculture is not just a source of food and livelihood, but it is deeply connected to our environmental and economic sustainability. This Congress is an opportunity for member nations, experts and stakeholders to collectively address the menace of water scarcity and delve upon sustainable solutions,” its participants stressed.
Established in 1950 and headquartered at New Delhi, ICID is a leading not-for-profit international organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable water management in the fields of irrigation, drainage and flood management.
