Shillong: The State Convention Centre in Shillong set the stage for the curtain raiser of the International Water Conclave, with Meghalaya’s Water Resources Minister, Coming One Ymbon, as the chief guest.
The event, held on Wednesday, showcased a series of engaging activities, including painting, quizzes, and photo competitions, all centered around the vital theme of water conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shakil P Ahammed, Additional Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, underscored the importance of conservation efforts, urging the youth to embrace the responsibility of preserving nature and water.
He emphasised the intergenerational obligation, stressing the necessity of sustainable practices to ensure a secure future. Dr. Ahammed remarked on the legacy of conservation left by previous generations, warning of the dire consequences if current trends continue unchecked.
“We need to understand the value of nature. If we take the total water available in India, by 2040, the shortfall would be around 63 billion cubic meters between supply and demand,” Dr. Ahammed stated, highlighting the impending water crisis.
In his address, Minister Ymbon echoed Dr. Ahammed’s concerns, emphasising the challenges posed by a potential water shortfall by 2040. He urged for reduced usage, water recycling, and responsible resource management while encouraging the younger generation to pledge for a sustainable future.
Ymbon emphasised the need for collective action to address challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, asserting that safeguarding water resources is a shared responsibility.
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Highlighting the significance of rainwater, Ymbon noted that close to 90% of it flows either to Bangladesh or Assam, emphasising the need for conservation efforts to ensure future availability.
The Conclave featured insights from various experts and officials, addressing global water crises, pollution, and climate change. With the aim of charting a roadmap to secure water resources, the event emphasised the collective responsibility required to safeguard this invaluable resource.
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