The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed the valedictory function of India Water Week-2016 today (April 8, 2016) at New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he saw "India Water Week” itself - as a key initiative for sharing best practices and exchanging ideas to identify timely solutions to the critical water issues confronting our world today. It is heartening that there has been a good response to the exhibition that concurrently been held - showcasing technologies and solutions for improving efficiencies in water use. He thanked the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation for organizing this event – and appreciate the contribution of partner Ministries of the Central and State Governments.

The President said that he cannot emphasize enough the value of a multi-disciplinary approach to water. We must prioritize resilient eco-systems, modern data management systems and innovations in technology. Our laws should inculcate a respect for the principle that water is a common legacy. We must treasure it, utilize it in a manner that enables us to pass it on - intact if not enhanced to our Generation Next. Government’s Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan and Integrated Watershed Management Programme are important programmes to achieve this objective.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Railways; Sushri Uma Bharti Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation; Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development, Drinking Water & Sanitation and Panchayati Raj; Smt. Vasundhra Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthanand Shri Sanwar Lal Jat, MoS for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

This release issued at 1515 hrs.