Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has called for a collective commitment towards water conservation, stressing that protecting every drop of water is essential for securing the future of coming generations. He made these remarks while inaugurating a one-day workshop on “Sustainability of Water Resources in Rural Drinking Water Supply Systems” held at the APSIRD building in Kanuru on Tuesday.
Lighting the ceremonial lamp, Pawan Kalyan officially launched the workshop and addressed officials from the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development departments. In his speech, he emphasized that “water is life, and awareness about water conservation must become a way of life for every individual.” He said that from recharging groundwater at the household level to preventing water from flowing wastefully into the sea through streams and rivers, every effort matters in building a sustainable future.
Highlighting the importance of water resources, Pawan Kalyan noted that only a small percentage of water available on Earth is suitable for human use, and failing to conserve it would be a grave injustice to future generations. He pointed out that rivers like Godavari, Krishna, Penna, and Vamsadhara are the lifelines of Andhra Pradesh and play a crucial role in improving living standards and supporting agriculture in the state. He warned that both surface water and groundwater resources are under increasing pressure, making conservation efforts more urgent than ever.
The Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges in ensuring safe drinking water supply in rural areas, including declining groundwater levels, lack of sufficient surface water, and increasing pollution. He said the government is preparing plans to restore watersheds, especially in tribal and hilly regions where water scarcity becomes severe during summer. He also stressed the need to adopt modern technologies to address water shortages and improve water management systems.
Pawan Kalyan reiterated that public participation is key to the success of water conservation efforts. He said awareness campaigns must encourage people to use water responsibly, recycle wastewater, and adopt rainwater harvesting practices. Aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Jal Jeevan Mission, he stated that the state government will give top priority to water conservation in the upcoming Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 phase.
He also announced that the Andhra Pradesh government has launched a special “100 Days Water Conservation Drive” from April 6 to July 14. This initiative aims to increase groundwater levels, prevent water wastage, promote efficient usage, and encourage rainwater harvesting across the state. He said such initiatives are crucial to ensure water security and sustainable development.
Referring to India’s cultural connection with nature, Pawan Kalyan said that human life is deeply linked with natural resources, and protecting nature will, in turn, protect humanity. He urged everyone to maintain a balance between development and environmental conservation, adding that responsible use of water resources is the need of the hour.
The workshop was attended by senior officials including Special Chief Secretary of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Shashibhushan Kumar, Pollution Control Board Chairman Dr. P. Krishnaiah, APSIRD Commissioner Muthyala Raju, and Annamayya District Collector Nishant Kumar, among others. The event focused on strengthening water resource sustainability and improving rural drinking water systems across Andhra Pradesh.
With a strong message on conservation and sustainability, Pawan Kalyan’s call to action highlights the growing urgency to safeguard water resources and ensure a secure future for the next generations.