WIN NEWS convenes conclave on rejuvenation of water resources in Peninsular India

WIN NEWS Television Channel in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Rivers Retrieval Movement, Tarun Bharat Sangh founded by Dr Rajendra Singh, Exnora International and Sabari Green Foundation had organised a three day convention recently in Chennai on “Rejuvenation and Sharing of Water Resources in Peninsular India.”

Farmers’ representatives, water experts and social activists from seven southern states - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Telangana attended the conference.

There were elaborate discussions on issues like the feasibility, challenges and impact of interlinking rivers, the current condition of water bodies, surface water and ground water in the southern states, desilting water bodies particularly the lakes and ponds among others.

V Prakash Rao, Chairman, Telangana Water Resources Development Corporation, explained about the 80,000 crore Kaleeshwaram Lift Irrigation Project on the Godavari River. Kaleshwaram mega irrigation and drinking water projects were initiated to irrigate about 1.25 crore acres of land in order to cater to the needs of the agricultural, drinking and industrial needs of 70% of districts in Telangana.

Prakash Rao explained the feasibility of channelising water from the Godavari at Medigadda, about 100 m above the sea level to be supplied to areas at a height of 618 m above sea level.

On the third day of the conference, participants were taken on a field visit to Madipakkam Lake and Rajakilpakkam Lake to get hands on experience on how public participation could not only create an awareness but also to churn out wonders.

Three days of deliberation reached a consensus to form a Volunteer Joint Action Group on Conservation of Rivers of Peninsular India.

Ram, News Director, WIN NEWS, recounted that “this is exactly our vision to be with the people, work with them, and optimistically resolve people’s issues in an effort to promote developmental journalism.”

Shyam, Executive Director, WIN NEWS, informed that “A vision document is being prepared by the organizing team and WIN NEWS will present it to the respective state governments and the central government recommending for implementation.”