Ahmedabad, August 24: A two-day event titled ‘Bharat Jal Vimarsh 2047’ was held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, bringing together water conservationists from across the nation. Vijay Pal Baghel, known as the ‘Green Man of India,’ emphasized that water and air cannot be created; they can only be preserved. He warned that if a third world war occurs, it will likely be over water. Award-winning environmentalists echoed the message, stressing the importance of water conservation and awareness with the slogan, “Water is essential for tomorrow.”
Baghel stated, “I am Vijay Pal Baghel, working on environmental issues under the motto ‘Plant Trees, Save Trees.’ The event, organized by two organizations, Enterprise and the Center for Water Peace, focuses on the critical issue of water, as it cannot be manufactured. The term climate combines water and air.”
He further explained that both water and air are irreplaceable but can be saved. The event gathered key figures working on water issues to raise awareness. He noted that when groundwater was abundant, there were no water shortages. However, the advent of modern technology has led to the depletion of natural resources.
Baghel attributed global warming and climate change to this depletion. He reiterated that water is vital for life, linking it closely with trees. “If there is water, there will be trees; if there are trees, there will be water. As trees diminish, our air supply decreases.” He reflected on how nature thrived during the COVID-19 lockdowns when human activity was restricted.
He also highlighted the oxygen crisis during the second wave of the pandemic, which resulted in the loss of many lives. “This event aims to send a message worldwide about the critical importance of water. We must conserve every drop, as our very breath depends on it.”
Padma Shri awardee Seth Pal Singh from Saharanpur expressed gratitude to Dr. Mor Joshi for organizing the workshop on water conservation. He emphasized the need to save water, stating, “Water is life. Our country is rich in diversity and rivers, and without them, life as we know it cannot exist.”
He posed a rhetorical question about the precious rainwater and how it can be preserved to benefit agriculture and the environment. He praised initiatives to strengthen field bunds and create small dams as effective conservation strategies.
Padma Shri awardee Bharat Bhushan Tyagi from Bulandshahr discussed the need for a comprehensive dialogue on water policy and action plans. He noted that water conservation is a pressing topic, essential for the preservation of nature and all living beings. “We need to change our mindset and understand the importance of resources rather than oppose nature.”
Lawyer Mahesh Goyal, who has worked on water conservation for 18 years, shared insights from his book, which has sold 80,000 copies and been translated into multiple languages. He urged people to commit to two resolutions: not wasting water and collecting rainwater.
This event serves as a crucial platform for discussing the future of water conservation in India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed nation by 2047.
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