Chhatarpur, Feb 4 : A significant one-day workshop focusing on the restoration of Chandela and Bundela era water bodies was successfully held on February 4, 2025. The event brought together experts, government officials, and community leaders to discuss innovative water conservation practices and the historical significance of traditional water systems.
The event commenced with a registration and breakfast session from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, followed by the inaugural session at 9:30 AM. The workshop was organized by the MP Government’s Water Conservation and Panchayati Raj Department, and graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries such as, including Shri Abhi Prasad (IAS), Director of Rajiv Gandhi Jal Sanchay Mission, and Shri Deepak Rastogi (IAS), Principal Secretary of the Rural Development Department, addressed the attendees. The welcome speech highlighted the workshop’s objectives and the importance of preserving historical water bodies.
Session Highlights:
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– Historical and Cultural Significance of Chandela and Bundela Talabs (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
This session emphasized the socio-economic, cultural, and spiritual importance of ancient water bodies. Panelists like Shri Rajendra Singh from Tarun Bharat Sangh and Shri Harendra Sharma from Manjari Foundation shared their insights on traditional knowledge and its role in modern water conservation.
– Current State, Challenges, and Success Stories in Taalab Restoration (11:10 AM – 12:20 PM)
Moderated by Shri Yogesh Kumar, this session focused on practical challenges and successful restoration stories. Discussions included community participation, administrative hurdles, and policy suggestions.
– Innovative Restoration Practices and Technologies for Water Systems (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
Experts discussed new technologies for restoring ponds, rivers, and groundwater recharge. Panelists from organizations like TRIF and ICRISAT shared case studies demonstrating sustainable water management.
– Reviving Small Rivers and Groundwater Recharge in Bundelkhand (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
This session explored strategies for rejuvenating small rivers and managing groundwater effectively in the semi-arid Bundelkhand region. Discussions were led by experts like Dr. Ashok Vishwakarma from Aryavart Sansthan.
– Financing and Resource Mobilization for Water Conservation (3:40 PM – 4:40 PM)
The final technical session focused on the financial aspects of water conservation, highlighting the role of institutional frameworks and community contributions in sustaining water projects.
Closing Remarks and Future Plans:
The concluding session from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM summarized key takeaways and outlined future steps for implementing workshop recommendations. A vote of thanks was extended by Shri Anil Mandal from ASA, appreciating the active participation of all attendees.
This workshop underscored the need for collaborative efforts in restoring historical water bodies and ensuring sustainable water management practices across the region.
