Bhubaneswar: The Department of Water Resources, Government of Odisha, distributed appointment orders to newly recruited 36 geologists in the Ground Water Development Directorate. Tunkuni Sahu, Minister for Water Resources and Commerce and Transport, distributed appointment letters to the newly-recruited geologists during a programme organised by the DoWR at Geet Govind Sadan Auditorium in the capital city on Tuesday.
The minister also launched a mobile application “GUESS” (Ground Water Utility & Extraction Structure Survey), developed by GWD, Odisha under the National Hydrological Project.
In addition, Tunkuni Sahu also released IEC materials under the “CHHATA” (Community Harnessing & Harvesting Rainwater Artificially from Terrace to Aquifer) scheme. She also flagged off a publicity van on the “CHHATA” scheme for creating awareness among the people on the benefits of adopting the rooftop rainwater harvesting system (RRHS) of DoWR.
Addressing the newly-recruited geologists she said, “Water is precious. Keeping in view the requirement of water for our daily consumption, agriculture, industrial and other needs, the state government is committed to the conservation of water and related projects. We have made consistent efforts to enhance water use efficiency. But challenges due to climatic change are a concern of the hour and we have to depend upon groundwater.”
The minister added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik, DoWR has adopted 5-T principles for effective service delivery through transformation. The newly-recruited geologists can explore their ideas and talents for the identification of water scarcity pockets in different blocks of the State so as to formulate policy for our future generation.
Welcoming the geologists to the DoWR family, Anu Garg, Development Commissioner & ACS, DoWR, stated, “Groundwater is important for everyone. In India, the groundwater extraction average is 61% where as it is about 43% in our state. Though there is less pressure on the groundwater in Odisha in comparison to other states, we should not be complacent and we have to increase recharge of groundwater.”
An awareness drive has been undertaken to inform the public to take the benefits of the CHHATA and ARUA (Artificial Recharge to Underground Aquifer) Scheme. Garg urged the newly-recruited geologists to be sincere, and honest and to work effectively in assessing the groundwater level for its proper utility.
During the programme, a documentary film based on the success story of GWD, roof-top rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and awareness of behavioural changes in the use of water was screened. Among others, EIC, DoWR, Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty; EIC, P&D Dr CS Padhi; CE & Director, GWD, Odisha, KC Mohanty and other senior officers of DoWR and Directorate of GWD were present in the programme.
