Srinagar: Stressing that every person is the custodian of the earth and its resources, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to dedicate themselves for restoration and revival of water bodies.
He dedicated the 14th Edition of the ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ programme to all those Citizens and Panchayats of J&K which have stepped forward with a strong resolve for the revival of Traditional Water Bodies.
The radio programme was aired today on all local and primary channels of All India Radio (AIR) in the UT and broadcast on DD Kashmir.
Every person is the custodian of the earth and its resources and the efforts being made by them will prove helpful in balancing both Economic Development and Environment, the Lt Governor observed in his opening remarks.
“Traditional ponds and water sources sustain life. Civilisations and economies have prospered around water sources. In our quest to revive traditional water bodies, the Panchayats of district Doda, Samba, Bandipora, Budgam, Kathua and Ramban, besides a large number of conscious citizens from all walks of life have come forward and shown a strong resolve”, the Lt Governor said.
Noting that for the past few years, the effects of climate change have been visible all over the world, the Lt Governor said that climate change is reminding us to respect and restore the delicate balance of nature and strive for optimal utilization of the existing water resources.
Emphasizing on fixing the responsibility of keeping water bodies safe and clean in every panchayat, the Lt Governor called upon all sections of the society to actively participate to protect ecology during this challenging time.
Ponds and water bodies are like family members, and with this belief and tradition we can build a secure future for the young generations. The concerned authorities must focus on time-tested traditional methods of water management, he added.
In the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari, efforts need to be made from all corners to revive water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir and reduce the impact of the catastrophic climate change which is affecting health, ecology, agriculture and water supply in the UT, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor noted that the commitment and determination of the public representatives has helped reviving scores of water bodies in Kathua, Anantnag, Ramban, Samba, Bandipora and Budgam districts.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor appreciated the particular citizens for reviving the water bodies that have been neglected for a long time.
He also commented on the suggestions put forth by several citizens in this regard.
Responding to one of the suggestions, LG said that the UT administration is building an enabling environment for start-ups to flourish in J&K.
The Lt Governor urged youth to reach out to the youth clubs or nodal officers of the district with their innovative ideas.
“If your Start-Up idea has potential, if your innovation has the potential to create disruption in the market, then all possible assistance will be provided by the administration”, he said.
He also requested all the citizens and the business community to adopt a better alternative to plastic bags and complement government efforts to make J&K – ‘Polythene Free’.
Referring to one more suggestion regarding self-medication and the need to regulate the sale of the over-the-counter drugs, the Lt Governor said that the first such policy has been formulated in the country which will regulate the sale of over-the-counter drugs.
“This policy will curb the sale of medicines with serious side effects. As soon as this policy is notified, it will be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as well”, he added.
