New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Water Partnership to clean Indian rivers with European assistance.
“I have seen in Europe how beautifully water is flowing there. I hope our country would learn from it,” Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said at an MoU signing ceremony at World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) here.
The MoU was signed by Uma Bharti and Karmenu Vella, Commissioner Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission.
“This MoU will not solve everything (water related issues) in India but it is a step forward for solving those problems,” Vella said, adding that EU would lend technical and resources support to India for river protection and water management.
Pointing out the sixth goal of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — Clean Water and Sanitation — Uma Bharti spoke of a pan-India river protection plan.
“The holy rivers of India are getting exhausted of their existence, making out country under water stressed. Participatory approach with several stakeholders is required,” Uma Bharti added.
Citing the central government’s National Mission for Clean Ganga, Uma Bharti said that focus on other rivers is also required.
“Water pollution must stop and Centre will take strict actions to assure that,” she said.
shashank
October 10, 2016 at 7:43 am
Wrong Comparison! Although I agree Indian rivers are dirty because of human activity.We should compare our rivers with rivers from Africa and tropical and equatorial countries. There is a lot that grows in our rivers and a lot more variety.It is difficult to take a bath in a European river even during summers!
Anita
October 10, 2016 at 8:28 am
Rightly said by the Minister. Government should take the first step in penalising those who pollute the rivers. God has bestowed India with so many beautiful rivers and what do people do? I am told there are people in Goa who stay close to the river, dont build septic tanks and leave all the waste into the Mandovi river. What about the floating casinos? Does the waste go into the rivers too.
Sam
October 10, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Mam, you are minister, you shouldn’t just say that but do that. its your responsibility,
ammar
October 11, 2016 at 6:10 am
why not….instead of uneducated netas going for junkets you can send some educated citizens to understand their way….but are there no swadesi ideas