National Workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats

Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar  Patil said that the Sarpanch of the village is a trustee and has the prime responsibility of the development of his village. He called upon them to work comprehensively towards the progress of the village.

He was speaking on the second day of the National workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats through Thematic Approaches on ‘Water Sufficient and Clean and Green Gram Panchayat, organised by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj in collaboration with the Department of Rural Devolvement and Panchyat Raj Government of Maharashtra in Pune.

Shri Patil said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated for Sabka Sath, Sab ka Vikas, Sab ka Vishwas and Sab ka Prayas and we have to work honestly to fulfil his vision of development of the villages. He interacted with the delegates and shared his thoughts giving many examples, and emphasised that the development of the village is impossible without people’s participation.

Addressing the National Workshop through Video Conferencing Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde stated that instructions shall be issued to all line Departments to provide the necessary support to Gram Panchayats for saturation of all nine themes of Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). Terming the National Workshop as a very welcome step towards cross-learning and experience sharing, he appreciated active participation from Maharashtra and other States / UTs.

The second day of the workshop started with the videos and discussion on water body rejuvenation so as to deposit water (ground water recharge) before withdrawal of water. Representatives of Haryana raised the issues of grey water flow directly in to village ponds and expressed concern of water contamination. The expert suggested for indigenous solution with minimum investment.

Ms. Anita Yadav Chief Development Officer, Ayodhya District, Uttar  Pradesh presented the works on water table recharge , reduced costs of irrigation through rejuvenation of River Tamsa .

Sarpanch from Vidharbha region of Maharashtra posed question for panellist to reduce the heat in schools for children comfort. Experts suggested a low cost solution with continuous flow of rain harvested   water through pipe on the roof of the schools. Shri Anand Malligavad , Lake Conservationist encouraged the participants to carry out rejuvenation of traditional water bodies / lakes of Panchayats for sustainable availability of water .

Shri Sunil Kumar , Secretary Ministry of Panchyat   Raj chaired 4th session of workshop and summed up with the suggestion that ‘Jan Bhagidari’ is the key for success of various innovative projects and advised Gram Panchayats to ensure continuous engagements of community through Gram Sabhas . Shri Sudhir Gotmare , Sarpanch Khursapar Gram Panchyat  , Nagpur , Shri Amol Katkar Sarpach Kiraksal , Gram Panchyat  Satara  and others also participated .

Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha , Secretary Ministry of Rural Development chaired 5th session , which focused on way forward , generation of livelihood and employment , Own Source Revenue through innovative and adoption of good practices.