A 3-year working programme was signed to guide the future course of the India-Hungary cooperation in water management.
WD News: The first meeting of the India-Hungary Joint Working Group, constituted for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of water management between the two countries was held in New Delhi where wide-ranging discussions were held on challenges and initiatives being taken in the water sector by both the countries.
Highlights
• Both sides made presentations on issues, challenges, initiatives taken and success stories related to water management in respective countries.
• The major issue of groundwater over-exploitation and necessity for proper water management practices in India and numerous programs and projects that are reshaping India’s water landscape were highlighted.
• Six areas of priority for cooperation were identified and agreed upon: Management of extreme phenomenon, exploration and management of groundwater, rejuvenation of rivers and water bodies, mitigation of impact of climate change on water resources, protection and preservation of quality of water resources, and training and capacity building.
• Background: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Interior of Hungary and the then Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR (presently Ministry of Jal Shakti), Government of India in 2016 with the objective to strengthen technological, scientific and management capabilities of both parties in the field of water management.
• Areas of cooperation between Hungary and India include integrated water resources management, water and wastewater management and water related education, research & development.
• For implementation of the objectives of MoU, a Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted with members representing both countries.
• Members of the JWG from Indian side include Shri Subodh Yadav, Joint Secretary (GW, Admin and IC), Ministry of Jal Shakti as team leader and experts from CWC, NMCG, CWPRS and CGWB. The Hungarian side of JWG is led by Mr. Peter Kovacs, Water Director, Ministry of Interior, Government of Hungary.
A field visit for the team of Hungarian experts to Varanasi was also organised to showcase successful interventions under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
Source & image courtesy: PIB
