New Delhi: Emphasising the importance of water conservation, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said that district officials and sarpanchs should play the role of guide to inspire people to participate in the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ in order to make the campaign successful. The President said this in his address after launching the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the rain 2022’ in the presence of Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat here. Stating that he was feeling elated for launching the campaign, Kovind called upon all the people of the country to make the campaign successful. He said the focus of this year’s campaign is catchment area augmentation. “Let us take a pledge … We will make this campaign one-of-its kind in the history of water conservation.” On the occasion, the President also conferred the 3rd National Water Awards. Uttar Pradesh bagged the first position in the best state category for successfully executing 23,000 micro-irrigation schemes in 2020. Assam’s Goalpara district secured the first position in the best district (North-East Zone) category. Sialsir village panchayat in Mizoram’s Serchhip district emerged as the winner in the best village panchayat– North-East Zone category. UNI DS MR
