NDSA, CWC, JKSPDC host outreach programme on “Promoting Dam Tourism” at BHEP Chanderkote

RAMBAN, AUGUST 24: To aware the people about ‘Promoting Dam Tourism’ initiative and ‘Water Conservation’ the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) in collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC) of India and J&K State Power Development Corporation today organized an outreach programme at Baglihar Hydro Electric Project, Chanderkote which has been selected as one of the iconic dams in the country under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The ‘Outreach Programme’ started with a plantation drive wherein the Chief Guest, Chief Engineer, CWC Rakesh Kashyap, Chief Engineer (Civil), Baglihar Hydel Project (BHEP), Ajay Gupta, Director, NDSA, RPS Verma, Deputy Director, CWC, Shachi Jain, Superintending Engineer, BHEP (Elec.), BN Bhandari and others planted about 200 saplings of Chir, Melia, Anar and Shesham in the premises of JKSPDC office complex.

  Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mussarat Islam was the special guest on the occasion, while the event was attended by ADC Ramban, Harbans Sharma,  Superintendent Engineer, Rajeev Pandho, CEO, Devanand, Xens, Sudhir Sharma, Jitender Khajuria,  District Soil & Water Conservation Officer, Sagar Hussain Jamwal and Zonal Soil Conservation Officer, Rasik Waheed Wani and a large cross-section of people representing different demographic age groups.

Appreciating the students and artists for participating in a series of activities organized under AKAM in Chanderkote, the Chief Engineer, CWC highlighted the importance of water conservation and promotion of Dam Tourism.

 Highlighting the potential of the district in the cultural and tourism sector, the Deputy Commissioner Ramban informed about various actions taken by the District Administration to boost tourism activities at all established and unexplored tourist destinations in the region.

The Director NDSA and Chief Engineer, JKSPDC also highlighted different features of the programme besides elaborating the topic.

 On the occasion, a colourful cultural programme including Nukkad Natak” Lok Nath Yater” was presented by Mohan Lal and team for awareness about  Water Resource availability & its development and bringing emphasis on improved water resource management through focus on demand side management.

Meanwhile, students and local artists enthralled the audience with their singing, dancing and folk performances.

In the morning a mass awareness rally on Water Conservation, Water Pollution, and cleanliness of water bodies was taken out from Executive Engineer Office JKSPDC to JP Gate Chanderkote in which School students, officers of CWC, NDSA, JKSPDC, staff members and locals participated.

They also launched a “Tree Plantation Campaign” at Chanderkote in association with officials of the Forest Deportment to sensitize common people regarding the role of trees with regard to water conservation, improving water quality, reduce soil erosion, water infiltration, groundwater recharging and increase in biodiversity in the area.

Students also participated in a drawing competition held under the theme save water, importance of dams in water conservation.  

 Later, the Chief Guest along with dignitaries distributed prizes and certificates among winners and participants of different competitions and cultural events.