Chennai: Tamil News Channel, WIN News in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Rivers Retrieval Movement, Tarun Bharat Sangh founded by Dr.Rajendra Singh, Water Man of India, Exnora International and Sabari Green Foundation had organised a three day convention from 26 July to 28 July 2019 in Chennai on “Rejuvenation and Sharing of Water Resources in Peninsular India.
Farmers’ representatives, water experts and social activists from 7 southern states – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Telangana had attended the conference.
There were elaborate discussions on issues such as, the feasibility, challenges & impact of interlinking rivers, the current condition of water bodies, surface water and ground water in the southern states, desilting water bodies particularly the lakes and ponds, measures to be undertaken for restoration of ground water, segregation of industrial and municipal pollutants, treatment of sewage water, difficulties faced by the Cauvery Delta farmers and ways to protect the riparian rights.
V Prakash Rao, Chairman, Telangana Water Resources Development Corporation explained about the 80,000 crore Kaleeshwaram Lift Irrigation Project on the Godavari River. Kaleshwaram mega irrigation and drinking water projects were initiated to irrigate about 1.25 crore acres of land in order to cater to the needs of the agricultural, drinking and industrial needs of 70% of districts in Telangana. Mr. Prakash Rao explained the feasibility of channelising water from Godavari at Medigadda, about 100 m above the sea level to be supplied to areas at a height of 618 m above sea level.
On the 3rd day of the conference, participants were taken on a field visit to Madipakkam Lake and Rajakilpakkam Lake to get hands on experience on how public participation could not only create an awareness but also to churn out wonders.
Three days of deliberation reached a consensus to form a Volunteer Joint Action Group on Conservation of Rivers of Peninsular India, to initiate action and execute measures firstly to link Godavari and Cauvery rivers, secondly to form Cauvery River Parliament, thirdly to form committees to restore the water bodies in Tamil Nadu and lastly to exhort the farmers to practice the traditional crop pattern system.
Mr.Ram, News Director, WIN News recounted that “this is exactly our vision to be with the people, work with them, and optimistically resolve people’s issues in an effort to promote developmental journalism.”
Mr.Shyam, Executive Director, WIN NEWS informed that “A vision document is being prepared by the organizing team and WIN NEWS will present it to the respective state governments and the central government recommending for implementation.”
