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Centre for Science and Environment and Janhit Foundation launch India's second Rain Centre in Meerut It is a unique and effective tool to spread water literacy, says chief guest, Shakir Ali, minister, UP cabinet. July 25, 2004, Meerut: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, in collaboration with Janhit Foundation, Meerut, today launched India's second Rain Centre at C: 38, Shastri Nagar, Meerut. The Rain Centre was inaugurated by Shakir Ali, minister for Minor Irrigation and Muslim Waqf, Uttar Pradesh cabinet. The Centre, equipped with a live rainwater harvesting model, is a permanently set up exhibition featuring a colourful assortment of panels, murals, posters and publications. "Our main aim is to make the people of Meerut district-both in the towns as well as the villages-aware of the 'real' water scenario in the region they live in. We want to drive home the message that they now need to come forward and play a leadership role in conserving this resource, and managing it well and wisely," said Sunita Narain, director, CSE while speaking at the event. The Rain Centre provides comprehensive information on all issues related to water- sources, distribution systems, concerned government agencies and relevant policies. It also offers detailed data on rainwater harvesting, the simple, cost effective technology to conserve rain, which is the only fresh water source that feeds the groundwater table, as well as rivers. A technical team--trained by CSE-will be present at the Rain Centre to provide assistance to citizens who are keen to practice rainwater harvesting. "In 2002, we set up a Rain Centre in Chennai with our local partner, Akash Ganga Trust. It has evoked tremendous response from the people there. Several such centres have now come up across Tamil Nadu. The Chennai Centre has hosted workshops, seminars and training programmes, which have been attended by students, industry representatives, municipal councillors and other citizens. Our objective is to give them a fresh perspective on water. We hope that the Meerut Rain Centre, too, will emerge as a hub of all water-related activities in the district," said Narain. While inaugurating the Centre, Shakir Ali said this initiative could not have come at a more opportune time. "Uttar Pradesh, like the rest of the country, is facing a serious challenge on the front of water. Heavy dependence on groundwater has resulted in the resource being depleted at an alarming rate. The people must be made aware of the magnitude of the crisis, and actively involved in the process of finding the right solutions. The Meerut Rain Centre will begin this process, and I hope this message will be carried forward in the rest of the state." The inauguration was followed by a public meeting, which was attended by Meerut residents and farmers from villages across the district. At this meeting, Bhurelal, chairperson of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Board, NCR, launched Paani Ghano Anmol, a field-level study conducted by Janhit Foundation, on the status of existing water bodies in Meerut. "Lakes or talabs were traditionally the primary source of irrigation and drinking water for the rural population in this district. This study reveals that they are now dying due to massive encroachment and neglect. I hope the government as well as the people will respond to the alarm signals sounded by Janhit," said Bhurelal. For details, please contact:
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