JAMMU: An insightful webinar “Women & Water” – Challenges and Opportunities towards sustainable conservation of water was organized by FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) FLO Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh (JK & L) in collaboration with FICCI FLO Uttarakhand.This is the first webinar organized by the FLO JK & L chapter and paves the path for many more to follow. Our planet is covered by 70% water and one might think that it will be plentiful. However, freshwater – which is used for drinking, bathing and irrigating fields is incredibly rare. Time of women in villages is mostly spent on trying to arrange for water. Hence, it becomes extremely pertinent to work in the field of water conservation which in-turn would empower Women. Women definitely play an important role in building community and saving water.This event threw light on robust and low investment technologies for water conservation; participation by all stakeholders for treating and saving water and creating awareness for water resource management. It also highlighted important findings and data on water conservation and ways to improve the quality of water.The webinar started with presentation on “Mesmerising Rivers” of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh curated by Ritu Singh, Chairperson of the newly founded FLO JK&L chapter.Opening remarks were delivered by Tripti Behl, Secretary, FLO Uttarakhand. A warm welcome address was made by Komal Batra, Chairperson, FLO Uttarakhand, Ritu Singh, Chairperson FLO JK&L, Varuna Anand, Senior Vice President, FLO JK&L and Pankaj Gupta, President, Industries Association of Uttarakhand. Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand have a lot in common with respect to topographical, cultural and religious facets. This commonality opens up avenues to be worked upon together in future.Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary-cum-Country Coordinator, India Water Partnership (IWP) Water Conservation/Orientation, presented on how to make India water secure with participation of all stakeholders. She emphasised on the action for sustainable water resource management at national, regional, river basin/ sub basin and local levels. IWP initiatives taken at policy and ground level were also discussed.Dr. Ravinder Kaur, Principal Scientist & Former Project Director, Water Technology Centre & Former Director (Addnl Charge), Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi shared about Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Reuse through Jalopchar Technology. This particular technology developed by Dr. Kaur is used for treating water by natural ways and has plant-based aerators. It is cost effective, easy to maintain and operable by any personnel.Poonam Sevak, Vice-President, Knowledge and Partnerships, Safe Water Network India & Rural Water highlighted the challenges and barriers to women empowerment with respect to water. Traditionally women are allocated unpaid roles in domestic activities like fetching water etc. Monetary incentives, involvement of husbands and working at grassroot level to retain women for safe and fit water delivery models were discussed.Lalit Mahajan, President, Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, representing the Industry of JK&L placed emphasis on rain water harvesting and role of government and state in supporting proper waste segregation and disposal.E-certificates were handed over to all eminent speakers and guests. The event was attended by guests and associates from across the country including Kiran Bhatt, former chairperson FLO Uttarakhand and Pradeep Dutta, Bureau Chief, Times Now Network.The esteemed partners for the event were Industries Association, Uttarakhand, Global Water Partnership – India Water Partnership, Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Safe Water Network.
