MIRPUR (Kashmir English): Like across the world, World Water Day was also observed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday with the renewal of pledge and resolve to continue performing individual and collective role to save water besides encouraging the sincere efforts at the national level for the establishment of more water reservoirs.
The move will help meet the future needs of water for the speedy progress and prosperity of the country including Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
World Water Day is observed the world over every year on March 22. “Water has a great significance for our lives. From drinking to cooking to bathing, water is resource that is irreplaceable in our daily lives.
Most of the water that we use for day-to-day activities comes from ground”, said environmental experts while addressing a meeting held to mark the day here late Saturday under the auspices of the AJK Anglers Association with the coordination of the Environment Journalists Forum Mirpur District.
It was addressed among others by renowned philanthropist and pioneer of Water Filtration Plants at public places in Mirpur on self-help basis Dr. Khalid Yousaf, President AJK Anglers Association Ramzan Dutt Advocate, Zulfiqar Ali, Abdul Waheed, and Usman Ali.
President Environment Journalists Forum Mirpur District and members Environment Protection Council of AJK, Secretary General Kashmir Press Club Mirpur and senior journalist Sohrab Ahmed Khan, AJK Chapter President of PPP (Shaheed Bhutto) Muneer Chaudhry Advocate and others addressed the Orientation Session on Water Quality and Quantity Profile of AJK and Future Challenges, organised to mark the day.
Usage of groundwater increasing
Speakers said that following the rising population, the usage of groundwater is increasing while the availability of water was gradually at the verge of decline the world over.
They urged the need to buckle up and work together in preserving groundwater to ensure that we do not run out of one of the most important natural resources.
Speakers emphasised that availability of hygienic drinking water has become the world problem in the present era.
Emergency steps are required to be taken to ensure the supply of hygienic water the world over, they emphasized.
The water experts showed grave concern over the impending worst water crises in the country including AJK due to the reported gradual dryness of rivers following the blatant violation of international norms on use of water and river treaties on the part of India.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Khalid Yousaf emphasized the need of focusing fullest attention to establish more water reservoirs in Pakistan with special focus to get the country rid of the grim water crises to meet the present and future water requirements for bringing about progress and prosperity in the country.
Speakers strongly suggested for immediate enforcement of water policy in the country including AJK to ensure the importance and due usage of water resources in view of the future needs of this greatest natural necessity of the human life and for other much-required and permanent purposes.
