Speaker Vijender Gupta Calls for Institutional Action and Collaborative Water Governance

TIT Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com

]New Delhi, 26 June : Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, today called for urgent, multi-layered institutional action to safeguard the capital’s water future. Gupta made this statement while addressing the seminar titled “Jal aur Prakriti (Water and Environment)”, organised by Sampurna NGO to mark 30 days of its 40-day awareness programme. He further said that “ we will explore about the
operational status and effectiveness of the Wetland Authority under Department of Environment, NCT . If required, this will be brought up in the Assembly for structured deliberation.”

Emphasising the need to institutionalise water education across India, Gupta cited the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power as a model for focused academic engagement on water management and stressed the importance of moving in this direction.

Gupta highlighted the urgent need to rejuvenate water bodies by blending traditional knowledge systems with modern techniques, and proposed scaling up rainwater harvesting efforts. He suggested that urban waterlogging during monsoons could be turned into an opportunity for groundwater recharge, stating, “We must transform rainwater from a liability into a lifeline.”

Addressing institutional issues, Gupta reiterated his intention to write to the Chief Secretary for consideration regarding the Wetland Authority and, if needed, raise the matter in the Assembly for structured deliberation if the consensus is reached .

Stressing the importance of collaborative governance, he remarked, “When government institutions work hand-in-hand with public organisations, the impact is not just incremental — it is transformative.”

Speaker also drew attention to the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship missions like — Mission Amrit Sarovar, which aims to rejuvenate 75 water bodies in every district, and Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025, which focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and climate-resilient water management. “These are not just government campaigns; they are a blueprint for national revival,” he said, adding that public participation can turn even the gravest challenges into opportunities.

Also addressing the seminar, Founder President of Sampurna Dr. Shobha Vijender emphasised that water is no longer an unlimited resource and highlighted the importance of mindful and responsible consumption. “If we fail to change our consumption habits today, we are borrowing a grave concern from tomorrow,” she warned.

Among the attendees were – local stakeholders, Prominent water experts including Diwan Singh who spoke about the need for rain water harvesting on massive scale , Jai Kumar Goel , Sanjay Poddar, Dr Naresh and among others .

The seminar concluded with a strong consensus that community participation, scientific awareness, and institutional resolve must drive Delhi’s response to its water and environmental challenges. The event was attended by environmental experts, civil society leaders, and local stakeholders, all reaffirming their commitment to a sustainable, water-secure future.