In a bid to commemorate India’s rich water heritage and rally public awareness towards conserving water bodies, the National Water Mission, under the aegis of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, is orchestrating the grand ‘Jal Itihas Utsav’ at Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli, Delhi on 1st December, 2023. This event aims to ignite consciousness among the masses about safeguarding water heritage sites, fostering a sense of ownership, and advocating for the restoration of these invaluable heritage structures.
The occasion will witness the esteemed presence of dignitaries such as Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, and the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, alongside senior officials from various Central and State Government Departments. It marks the pinnacle of the “Water Heritage Fortnight,” a nationwide celebration held across 75 ‘Natural Water Heritage Structures’ from 15th November, 2023 to 30th November, 2023. Additionally, it signifies the successful culmination of the nationwide campaign ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ 2023.
The focal point of the event is Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal, an emblematic reflection of the synergy between various Central and State Government Departments. The restoration efforts encompassed cleaning the Talab, park leveling/cleaning, executed in collaboration with the Archeological Survey of India and MCD. These restorative endeavors have been meticulously documented in the form of an e-book, slated for launch during the event. Furthermore, a short film titled “Jal Itihas Journey,” showcasing the 75 identified Water Heritage sites, will be screened, offering a visual narrative of their historical significance.
As part of the festivity, a musical performance titled “Flowing Strings” by the renowned violinist Ms. Sunita Bhuyan will enchant the audience, infusing the event with artistic fervor.
To safeguard the nation’s water legacy, the Ministry of Jal Shakti constituted a Committee led by Shri R. R. Mishra, Ex-DG, NMCG, to identify 75 ‘Natural Water Heritage Structures’ across India. These structures, displayed on the Jal Itihaas Sub-Portal on the India-WRIS Portal, encapsulate the nation’s water heritage.
The Ministry has successfully implemented ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ 2023, themed on “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water.” This initiative aimed to bolster drinking water sources in 150 Water Stressed Districts identified by the Jal Jeevan Mission, aligning with the vision to conserve rainwater and replenish groundwater reserves.
India’s reverence for water resources, embedded in its cultural traditions, faces mounting challenges in contemporary times. Therefore, this event seeks to draw attention to the rich traditional water systems, offering insights and lessons crucial for today’s water management. By fostering a connection between communities and water bodies, the Jal Itihas Utsav aspires to promote a collective consciousness towards water conservation and sustainability.
As India’s water resources grapple with increasing pressures, events like the Jal Itihas Utsav serve as a clarion call to all citizens to become more water-wise and cognizant of water-related issues, embracing the teachings of our age-old water traditions for a sustainable future.