Mirzapur, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : In a significant move to bolster rural water supply in India, Danish Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen recently visited the village of Duhaa in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh. He participated in the ‘Jal Arpan’ program, an event marking the formal handover of the village’s water supply initiative to the local community under the national ‘Jal Jeevan Mission.’
The event drew notable attendees, including District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Gangwar, Chief Development Officer Vishal Kumar, and Vinod Mishra, Country Manager of UNOPS in India. Over 400 community members, particularly women, were present to witness the occasion.
During his visit, the ambassador toured a water treatment plant located in Naraina Kala village, where he learned about its operations and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which tracks water’s journey from source to tap. This treatment facility is part of a broader plan that draws water from the Belan River, providing treated drinking water to 258 villages, including Amaravati, Bhavani Pur, and Duhaa, where UNOPS is actively involved.
Following the tour, the delegation arrived in Duhaa, where ‘water sisters’ trained by UNOPS welcomed the ambassador in traditional fashion. A ‘transect walk’ was conducted to observe the water supply system and engage with community members.
At the overhead tank in Parasaiya, the ambassador spoke with a pump operator and participated in a ‘water bonding’ activity, showcasing the community’s commitment to water conservation. He also planted a tree, symbolizing the importance of sustainable water management.
The ‘Jal Arpan’ program, held at Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Balak Vidyalaya in Parasaiya, emphasized community involvement. The event began with a welcome for guests and a speech from the village head, along with a live demonstration of water quality testing.
Ambassador Kristensen highlighted the long-standing partnership between Denmark and India regarding water management, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient practices that involve communities reliant on these resources. He expressed pride in Denmark’s role as the only international supporter of the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission,’ viewing it as a testament to the depth of collaboration between the two nations in ensuring reliable and safe drinking water for rural families.
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