Bhubaneswar: The three-day “Women for Water, Water for Women,” an ambitious initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under its flagship scheme – AMRUT, in partnership with the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) and Odisha Urban Academy, began on Tuesday and will continue till Wednesday.
The campaign aims to provide a platform for the inclusion of women in water governance. Women will be given first-hand knowledge about water treatment processes through visits to Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in their respective cities.
More than 4,100 women from across all states (barring the poll-bound ones) delved into the heart of the campaign during “Jal Diwali”. These women will visit more than 250 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) nationwide, gaining invaluable firsthand knowledge of the intricate processes involved in delivering clean and safe drinking water to households. State officials welcomed SHG women with flowers and were presented with field visit kits, including water bottles/ sippers/ glasses, eco-friendly bags, badges, etc.
Throughout the day, the women were immersed in the world of water infrastructure, receiving expert guidance on water quality testing protocols, and ensuring the highest standards of water purity for their communities.
On day one, the women were familiarised and educated about the AMRUT scheme and its widespread impact, providing comprehensive exposure to Water Treatment Plants, promoting inclusivity through souvenirs and articles crafted by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and encouraging the adoption of Water Efficient Fixtures in households. Participants also committed to conserving and using water resources wisely and protecting the precious resource through thoughtful actions and conscientious decision-making.
The efforts of SHGs and State officials made day one of the campaign a resounding success, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity and empowerment in the critical domain of water infrastructure under the AMRUT 2.0 initiative. Day 2 and 3 of the campaign are expected to witness visits to more than 400 WTPs with the additional participation of more than 10,000 women SHGs, coming together to celebrate “Jal Diwali.”
