Water conservation prog in govt schools

Ranchi: A water conservation awareness fortnight was launched in govt schools across the state on Wednesday. The campaign aims to instil a sense of responsibility among students, teachers, and communities to preserve water resources by adopting sustainable water-saving practices in their daily lives.

State director of the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC), Shashi Ranjan, said, "The initiative is aligned with the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain' campaign. The programme focuses on rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of water bodies, geo-tagging of water resources, preparation of scientific water conservation plans, tree plantation, and establishment of Jal Shakti Kendra in districts."

Schools have been urged to hold debates, essays, quizzes, and painting competitions on water-related themes."Lessons on water conservation are being incorporated into classroom teachings. School management committees and parents-teachers' meets are held to ensure community engagement," he added.

Eco Club nodal officers will maintain a daily record of school-wise participation and activities using a Google Tracker.

An official of JEPC said, "This data will be consolidated and reported to the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The representatives of UNICEF's partner organisation, LEADS, will provide assistance in nine districts — Dhanbad, Giridih, Koderma, Hazaribag, Dumka, Latehar, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, and Ranchi."

Nasim Ahmed, Principal of Government Middle School, Ormanjhi, said, "The students received messages about the importance of water conservation. They were advised to minimise water usage in their daily household activities to promote sustainable development."