Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan launches 100-day water usage drive

Metro India News | AMARAVATI 

Emphasising the urgent need to conserve water for future generations, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan called for a mass movement to protect water resources, stating that every drop counts in ensuring sustainable development. He was speaking at a one-day workshop on ‘Sustainability of Water Resources in Rural Drinking Water Supply Systems’, organised at the APSIRD campus in Kanuru. The Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the workshop by lighting the ceremonial lamp and outlined the government’s roadmap for water conservation under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.

“Water is life, and conserving it is the foundation of our survival. From recharging household wastewater into the ground to preventing freshwater from flowing wastefully into the sea, a sense of responsibility must develop among people,” he said. He warned that failure to protect limited freshwater resources would result in injustice to future generations.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s dependence on rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, Penna, and Vamsadhara, Pawan Kalyan noted that water availability has historically driven the state’s agricultural and economic growth. However, declining groundwater levels and increasing pollution now pose serious challenges, particularly in rural and tribal regions.

He pointed out that ensuring drinking water supply to every household faces multiple hurdles, including inadequate surface water availability and depleting groundwater reserves. To address this, the government is planning watershed restoration projects, especially in agency and hill areas, and is leveraging technology to improve water management systems.

Calling for public participation, the Deputy CM stressed that water conservation cannot be achieved by the government alone. “People must actively participate in saving water, adopting reuse practices, and preventing wastage,” he said.

As part of this effort, the state has launched a 100-day ‘Water Usage Drive’ from April 6 to July 14. The programme will focus on groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, efficient water usage, and preventing wastage. Awareness campaigns will be conducted across villages to promote sustainable practices.

Pawan Kalyan reiterated that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under Jal Jeevan Mission and is being implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He said Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 will place greater emphasis on conservation alongside supply. “Nature and human life are deeply interconnected. If we protect nature, it will protect us. A balanced approach is essential for a sustainable future,” he added.