GANGTOK, January 19, 2012:

A state-level workshop on experience sharing on Local Water Governance and Dhara Vikas programme was held in the capital on January 18.

It was organized by The Mountain Institute (TMI) – India, in collaboration with State Rural Management & Development Department (RM&DD), and was sponsored by Arghyam. RM&DD Minister Mr. C B Karki graced the event as chief guest.

Dhara Vikas programme was introduced in 2008. Since then, it has been doing great work concerning water and its conservation. Along with that, the programme also took care of all the prescribed safety measures, informed Mr. Karki.

“Under the visionary leadership of CM Pawan Chamling, department (RM&DD) is striving firmly for the development of state and its people”, he added.

Talking further he informed that the department has set guidelines for water conservation. More ways of conserving water scientifically is being explored and also a data has been prepared for the conservational work. “Today’s data is tomorrow’s future”, Karki stated.

Compared to other states, Sikkim doesn’t have much water problem until now. But it doesn’t mean that one should waste water, he insisted. Further he underlined that in comparison with the earlier days, water bodies have dried up.

People in order to become civilized and to upgrade their standard of living have become more health conscious and hygienic. Therefore, demand of water for sanitary cleanliness has increased. “It’s important for people to understand the significance of water and should find proper means to store it. We all should use it wisely”, he asserted.

Appreciating the work done by a fellow field facilitator from Kaluk, BAC Prem Norbu, he said that other field facilitators should take his example and work appropriately. He also appealed everyone to support Dhara Vikas Programme.

During the 1st technical Session, Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma from TMI- India spoke about the issues related to water governance at project sites and project achievements so far. He also shared his experiences on the Springshed Development Programme.

Stating that water is an essential element after oxygen, Special Secretary RM&DD, Dr. Sandeep Tambe shared his experiences on Dhara Vikas initiative. Field facilitators Pem Norbu and Roshan Kaushik from Kaluk BAC and Temi BAC respectively recounted their field experiences. During the Technical Session II an open discussion was held in order to find strategies to overcome water related issues.

SIKKIM MAIL

 

Comment