Global leaders gather in Vizag to address water conservation
Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and AP CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurate 25th International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Congress
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The plenary of 25th International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) got off to a colourful start at the beachfront Radisson Blu Resort here on Thursday in the presence of Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and a galaxy of experts with a call to take urgent steps for conservation and rational utilisation of water.
The ICID Congress was inaugurated jointly by Shekhawat and Reddy with the ceremonial ritual of ‘Jal Bharo’, signifying the value of water for sustenance of life and harmonious relationship between environment and human beings. The grand ceremony was attended by prominent leaders including AP Minister for Irrigation Ambati Rambabu, Minister for Health V Rajini, Minister for Industries Gudivada Amarnath and others.
The International Congress will feature a wide range of sessions, lectures, and workshops covering various aspects of irrigation and drainage, including technological advancements, policy frameworks, and best practices. It will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaborations, and shaping the future of water management worldwide.
The theme of this International Congress (that is ‘Tackling Water Scarcity in Agriculture’) holds profound importance, as water scarcity in agriculture is a challenge that affects every part of the entire world. Agriculture is not just a source of food and livelihood, but it is deeply connected to our environmental and economic sustainability. This Congress is an opportunity for member nations, experts, and stakeholders to collectively address the menace of water scarcity and delve upon sustainable solutions.
The ICID Congress is a significant event, drawing attention to the pressing challenges and the collective efforts needed to ensure a sustainable and secure future for all and India has the honour of hosting this prestigious event after 57 years.
Established in 1950 and headquartered at New Delhi, ICID is a leading not-for-profit international organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable water management in the fields of irrigation, drainage, and flood management.
India, being one of the 11 founding nations, played a pivotal role in the establishment of ICID and its growth as a global think tank organisation in its working domain. It is the first international organisation established in India after independence and presently, ICID has an extensive global network of more than 82 nations, collectively covering more than 90 per cent of the world’s irrigated and drained areas.
The welcome address was delivered by Kushvinder Vohra, Chairman, Central Water Commission and ex-officio Secretary to Government of India and Chairman, Organising Committee, who emphasised the importance of sustainable water management in the context of food and ecosystem security.
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti delivered the ND Gulhati Memorial lecture on the topic ‘Ensuring Water and Food Security through Climate Resilient Infrastructure’ wherein he flagged various issues, challenges, way forward and the government’s commitment to water resource management. In his address, Shekhawat called for understanding the crucial role of international collaboration for redressal of the inextricable linkage of climate change and food security.
