Synopsis
A pivotal meeting in Jaipur aims to revive the ancient Saraswati river of the Vedic era, uniting officials, experts, and scientists to address water security and environmental sustainability in Rajasthan. This collaborative effort marks significant progress toward restoring this culturally important river.Key Takeaways
- The revival of the Saraswati river is a culturally significant initiative.
- Key stakeholders include state governments and academic institutions.
- The project aims to enhance water security and agricultural productivity.
- International cooperation is being sought for successful implementation.
- This initiative reflects a blend of tradition and modern environmental needs.
Jaipur, April 28 (NationPress) In a significant move towards revitalizing the legendary Saraswati river from the Vedic period, a high-level assembly took place at the Birla Science Research Institute in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Monday.
The gathering included officials from the Saraswati Heritage Board of Haryana, along with experts and scientists in the field.
Among the attendees was Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat, alongside Dhuman Singh Kirmich, Deputy Chairman of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Board; Mahavir Poonia, Head of the Remote Sensing Department at the Birla Science Research Institute; and Bhuvan Bhaskar, Chief Engineer from the Water Resources Department of Rajasthan.
Retired ISRO Director J.R. Sharma and B.K. Bhadra also participated via video conference, offering their invaluable expertise and insights.
During the session, Dhuman Singh Kirmich provided a comprehensive overview of the initiatives taken by Haryana to rejuvenate the ancient Saraswati river, highlighting the progress made through a detailed presentation.
Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat remarked that the Saraswati river has historically flowed underground across western Rajasthan.
Under the guidance of Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, in partnership with the Haryana government, efforts are being made to bring this historic river back to the surface to benefit farmers in the arid regions of the state.
Minister Rawat emphasized that the Haryana government is actively pursuing this project, which, if successful, could substantially aid in greening the drought-stricken areas of Rajasthan.
The meeting addressed several critical issues, confirming that the Rajasthan government remains focused on securing interstate water resources, with the revival of the Saraswati river being a key strategic initiative. Additionally, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Water Resources Department of Rajasthan and the Embassy of Denmark on December 9, 2024, during the Rising Rajasthan summit.
This agreement aims to foster cooperation for the revival of the Saraswati's paleochannels, enhancing water security and environmental sustainability in Rajasthan.
To strengthen international collaboration, a follow-up meeting with the Danish Embassy representatives is scheduled for April 29.
Moreover, the involvement of the Central Ground Water Board, State Ground Water Departments, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur; and IIT Banaras Hindu University has been secured to advance the project.
This initiative represents a pivotal step towards reclaiming a historic and culturally significant river while addressing urgent water conservation and agricultural requirements in the region.
