JAL PUJANA at Ahmednagar

Institution of Engineers, Local center, Ahmednagar
Ahmednagar ( Maharashtra), India, 22 Mar 08

WWDay

Main function started with ‘Jalpujan’ of 7 Kalash with sacred water of 7 main rivers in the districts namely Pravara, Mula, Adhala, Godavari, Seena, Kukadi and Ghod. Ahmednagar is the largest district of Maharashtra and has been benefitted by these 7 rivers. Jalpujan had a background of ‘AAPSUKTA’ and ‘Varun Sukta’ mantras by Vedshastri Dattopant Pathak. Dr. Sudha Kankaria, then sprinkled this water to Tulsi Plant.

‘Jalpujana’ was followed by the introductory speech by Chandramohan Hangekar, Superintending Engineer, Command Area Development Authority, Ahmednagar. A water-pledge is being advocated by Sinchan Sahayog. The pledge was taken in a group manner by all in the audience. The pledge contained the meaning that water is life, water is the bond between flora and fauna and we must be grateful to water. It also said that we will use water cooperatively.

Presentation of various departments, included Social Forestry, Water Resources Deptt., Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, Agriculture Department etc. Dr. Sudha Kankria, Ophthalmologist and Social Worker said that housewives and women in villages could easily save water and consume only 50% of what they are consuming now. She also had emphasis on the health and cleanliness of the surroundings in villages.

Ramarao Chavan, 86, and a leader of senior citizen’s forum was also present on the day. He remembered the days when people in Ahmednagar were buying the drinking water in tins. Mula dam has changed the scenario and the city is now flourished.
Dr. P. Anbalgan, Collector, Ahmednagar said that he has submitted a proposal for repairs of 152 old water bodies costing only Rs. 15 crores, so that storage of 10,000/- million cubic feet (10 TMC) can be achieved, which otherwise is being lost due to non-maintenance of the tanks.

Er. Suresh Shirke, Chief Guest in his key note address said that we should not blame the major dams like Koyna, in fact they are cheaper. The allegation of silting of dams is baseless. Allegation of earthquakes responsibility to reservoirs is also false. He said Bhandardara was built by britishers in 1926, and costed only Rs. 80000/-. Now you can imagine Ahmedagar district without Bhandardara and Mula dams. No progress would have been possible if this 11 plus 26 TMC water would not have been stored. Government must think of medium dams also. The medium project is defined as having command area less than 10000 Ha. but more than 2000 ha. Dams having command area more than 10,000 Ha. are major projects. In Ahmednagar district Nilwande dam is under construction, nearly 50% work of this 74 m high dam is over. This project will prove an example for best rehabilitation of Project affected Persons. Nearly 95% of rehab works are over and before first filling of dam 100% of rehabilitation will be declared as completed. The dam will store 8.5 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) water and irrigate 64500 Ha area in 5 talukas.

Regarding flood damages and flood warning system he said with latest Radar systems it is possible to predict the rainfall before 48 hours, which will be helpful for disaster management wings. He said only 0.26 percent of total water in the world is available for use by mankind. for last 200 years the figure is constant but the use is increased. To save and use every drop of water is a very traditional culture of Indian Society. It is not to be borrowed from abroad. He appreciated the development due to optimum storage and utilisation of water in Hivare bazar and Ralegan Siddhi by Popat Pawar and Anna Hazare.

Prize winner of essay and poster competitions were felicitated by the Chief quest Shirke. The subject of these competitions was water saving-need of future. 150 entries were received by the organisers out of which 6 persons and students were selected by a committee headed by Vijay Hoshing Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation Division Ahmednagar.

A CD containing the information of all Irrigation Projects in Ahmednagar District was inaugurated on this occasion the CD is available to the public under RTI act.
Contact- chmohan@gmail.com

Contact: Chandramohan Hangekar