Upgrading of skills and knowledge and making all stakeholders aware of the latest technology

By Shweta Tyagi, Associate Editor – FGR

A Two-day training workshop on “Application & Uses of Hydro-Geomorphologic Mapping for Ground Water Prospections” was held on 4^th and 5^th December, 2015 held at The Institution of Engineers (India) Sector -3, Channi Himmat, Jammu by India Water Foundation, the National Key Resource Centre of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Govt. of India, for the Staff & Members of State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM), Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs), Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Communication & Capacity Development Unit (CCDU), NGOs, Community-based Organizations, Masters Trainer etc.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Parvez Ahamed Malik, IAS, Secretary PHE Irrigation & Flood Control Department, J&K Govt. In his inaugural address he emphasized on the upgrading of skills and knowledge and making all stakeholders aware of the latest technology. He also referred to the Meghalya model as mentioned by Dr. Arvind Kumar, President India Water Foundation, where the convergence of all stakeholders is positively impacting outcomes. He also mentioned about the work being done by the PHE Department under the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan and Flood Control to ensure cleanliness and control of floods in future, with specific emphasis on the need to have a roadmap for water security plan.

While welcoming the Chief Guest Mr. Malik and speaking on the occasion, Dr. Arvind Kumar, President, IWF talked about the need of sharing knowledge between Central and state governments, organizations and various other agencies in order to bring all the other stakeholders on a common knowledge platform. It’s worth mentioning here that the Meghalaya Model envisages the path where the convergence of top-down and bottom-up approach has brought the various departments to work together for a common outcome. He emphasized the fact such trainings, while enhancing the current engineering solutions, would also support and help newer technology adoptions.