Schools told to observe water conservation week

In view of the water shortage problem and drought-like situation in some parts of the state, the school education department has asked schools to observe water conservation week from March 16, which will culminate on March 22, World Water Day. The department has asked schools to organise interactive awareness programmes that will enable students to understand the importance of saving water in the week-long drive.

According to the order issued by the department, since the past few years the state has been witnessing erratic season patterns, as a result of which some parts of Maharashtra are facing shortage of potable water.

“Water is an important resource and should be treated as an asset, for which conserving it is important. Various other issues like water pollution, scarcity, wastage and other forms of misuse of water are leading to this resource falling short of requirement. Hence it is pertinent that awareness of importance of this resource be created in schools so that students know their duty towards conserving it,” said the order issued by Dr P. Kharat, officer, school education department.

Pursuant to the order, schools are expected to hold essay writing and drawing competitions as well as hold informative talks by experts and organisations working on water conservation. The programmes are to be held regularly during the March 16 week. The order further says that schools can take the help of education officers of their respective regions and submit a report of the events organised during the entire week to the officer.

Speaking about the order, Prashant Redij, spokesperson for the Maharashtra State Secondary and Higher Secondary School Principals Association, said that it was a welcome move and schools would comply. with it. “The department also needs to work on providing clean drinking water facilities to schools where there are none. By doing so it will show that they are also willing to play their part in highlighting the importance of water to students who do not have these facilities in their schools,” said Mr Redij.