Shillong, Feb 7: With studies suggesting a potential water shortfall by 2040, Meghalaya’s Water Resources Minister, Coming One Ymbon, on Wednesday urged the younger generation to pledge for a better planet and reduce usage, recycle water, and respect resources.
The Minister stated this while attending the curtain raiser event for the International Water Conclave (IWC) held at the State Convention Centre in the city on Wednesday.
“Water is the essence of life and it has been an integral part of our culture and tradition. We are faced with the reality of war, grappling with water scarcity, pollution, and climate change. These challenges transcend borders and demand a collective response from all of us,” he said, while mentioning that Meghalaya has recognized the importance of sustainable water management as a cornerstone of development agenda through innovative policies, community-driven initiatives, and partnerships with stakeholders.
He said the state is trying to ensure equitable access to clean and safe water for all while preserving the natural ecosystem. “However, our effort alone is not enough. We must collaborate across borders, share knowledge and best practices, and harness the power of technology and innovation to address the complex challenges facing the world’s water resources. These conclaves provide a uniform platform for such collaboration and exchange of ideas,” he said.
The prelude to the highly anticipated International Water Conclave 2024 concluded on Wednesday with the Curtain Raiser event attended by dignitaries, experts, and stakeholders for meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at addressing water challenges in hill states.
Earlier, Dr. Shakil P Ahammed, Additional Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, urged the youth to embrace the spirit of preserving nature and water. Emphasising the intergenerational responsibility, he stressed the need for sustainable practices to secure the future.
He also mentioned how our forefathers have managed to conserve water as well the entirety of nature, which we get to enjoy in present times. “If we don’t save our planet, if we don’t protect water, if we don’t protect nature, the coming generation will have a lot of problems,” he warned.
“We need to understand the value of nature. If we take the total water which is available in India, probably by 2040, the shortfall would be around 63 billion cubic metres of water between supply and demand,” he mentioned.
Before the commencement of the Curtain Raiser, the event saw eager participation in the various finals of the pre-conclave contests such as painting, quiz, and photo competitions centered around water conservation. Participants expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming International Water Conclave and emphasized the significance of ongoing cooperation in addressing water challenges. Additionally, a water exhibition was held concurrently.
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