Odisha Environment Congress Kicks Off With Focus On Protection And Sustenance Of Rivers

Odisha Environment Congress Kicks Off With Focus On Protection And Sustenance Of Rivers

Bhubaneswar, December 20: The eighth edition of Odisha Environment Congress (OEC), which commenced at the Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) on Wednesday, witnessed large participation of experts, environmentalists and academicians among others. During the three days of congress, the experts will discuss on the theme of this year, ‘Environment & Sustainable River Basin Management’ that will highlight the various steps that could be taken for the protection of rivers across the country.

Various technical sessions like ‘River Water Sharing: Conflicts & Cooperation’, ‘Contours of River Policy for Odisha’, ‘Management Structures for River Basins’, ‘River Health: E-Flow and Catchment’ and other issues are lined up where experts would brainstorm for a concrete solution.   

Inaugurating the event, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Rivers are integrally involved with the growth and development of human civilization. It is thus the responsibility of society to ensure that the rivers live in good health and continue to serve the humanity in a sustainable manner.”Speaking about conflicts among people and states, he added, “The gluttony for water, territorial approach to ownership over river water and utter disregard to environmental needs of the river system have most often led to water conflict. Unless all riparian state respect the basic philosophy and principles of equitable sharing of river water with due regard to its health and follow the territorial approach, such conflicts are bound to magnify in future and lead to disharmony in the country. ”

He further added that such attempts must be addressed by following judicious approach towards the needs of each of the stakeholders including that of the river. None of the stakeholderswill be allowed to shy away from their mandated responsibilities towards a healthy river system.

Speaking about several government programmes for water conservation, rain water harvesting and ground water recharge in a sustainable manner, he said “We have started an ambitious plantation programme for plantation of two crore trees within a radius of one kilometer along both the sides of the Mahanadi and other major rivers of the state for water and soil conservation.” He further stressed that an integrated approach to river basin management is needed with a focus on water-use-efficiency in both agriculture as well as industry. Conscious efforts must be made by all to reduce pollution load on the river system would prove beneficial to both human society as well as to the nature.

“My government strongly believes that healthy rivers are required for a healthy society. We are committed to equitable distribution as well as sustainable utilisation of the water available on the earth. Our state water policy recognises drinking water supply and environmental needs as the priority areas of water use followed by agriculture and hydro-power generation,” the CM said.Noted environmentalist Rajendra Singh, who attended the programme, also stressed on healthy rivers. Speaking about Mahanadi river dispute, Singh said, “It is appreciable that Odisha government has started a dialogue over Mahanadi issue. We hope that Odisha becomes a model state which would be able to give rights to river without having a major fight with other states.”

Emphasising that a tribunal needs to be formed, Singh said, “I was always against the formation of tribunal but now I believe that it is necessary as it may help to sort the long pending issue between the two states.”

Pictures by: Rakesh Roul