Namchi District Launches Jal Utsav Under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Block Programme

Namchi, November 6(IPR): The ‘Jal Utsav,’ a campaign under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Block Programme was officially launched at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre, today.
The Chief guest for the day was Mr Satish Chandra Rai MLA 11th Namchi-Singithang Constituency. He was accompanied by Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi, Ms Tirsang Tamang ADC Namchi, Dr CP Rai ADC Development Namchi, Mr Nim Pintsho Bhutia SDM(HQ), Mr Saran Kalikotey SDM Namchi, Ms Bhavya Jha Niti Aayog, HoOs from line departments along with Panchayat Presidents and members, School Principals, representatives from Self Help Groups and Asha workers.
While addressing the gathering, Mr Satish Chandra Rai expressed his gratitude for being a part of this campaign and lauded the efforts of the District Administration in procuring the Namchi Block selected among the top 20 under the Water Resource Management Activity. He emphasised the importance of growing water concerns in the district and called on everyone to work towards resolving the water crisis and reduce the excessive usage of water resources for the future sustainability. Further, he expressed his appreciation to the State government for their unwavering commitments and concerned in the beautification of Namchi town and thanked the Chief Minister for providing him with the opportunity to serve the people of Namchi.
Ms Anupa Tamling highlighted that the Jal Utsav is being implemented from November 6th to 20th 2024 among 500 Aspirational Districts/Blocks in India. She stressed that the main objectives of this water festival’s is fostering community involvement in the preservation and protection of water resources and to raise awareness about efficient water usage at the household level and encourage water management practices among local utilities. She further mentioned that school students are also being engaged in water management activities to empower them as change agents in their communities.
Ms Bhavya Jha NITI Aayog congratulated Namchi for being selected under the Aspirational Block Programmes and encouraged the community to work together to find solutions to the district’s water scarcity issues. She stressed on the responsibility of citizens in conserving water for future generations and assured to render every possible support to the Namchi.
Mr Upendra Rai BDO Namchi educated the gathering about various activities under the ABP and emphasised the five Rs for water conservation: Reduce, Reuse,Recycle, Restore and Recharge. He also highlighted the other indicators set by ABPs and urged everyone to coordinate in order to achieve those indicators. He also spoke about various development projects in Namchi and underscored the district’s positive ranks in the ABPs.
Further, Mr KL Chettri Rural Development Department highlighted the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission and outlined key schemes, including the status of water supply in the district.
Mr Mohan Dahal Public Health Engineering Department spoke about the department’s water projects such as water source management, water treatment plants and the coverage of Zonal tanks to the households.
Similarly, Mr Nation Rai discussed the critical role of water through agriculture in Namchi focusing on the quantity of water used in irrigation and shared about the agricultural schemes supported by both state and central governments.
The programme concluded with a pledge for Jal Utsav administered by Ms Anupa Tamling DC Namchi.