Bhubaneswar:
After the observance of the Pani Panchayat Pakhya,2024 in 117 Divisions on 16th January, 2024 and in 30 Districts on 24th January, 2024 the Pakhya now has reached the third and concluding phase for observance at the state level on 30th January, 2024.
The State level function is going to be held at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan and it will be graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Odisha. Hon’ble Minister, Water Resources , Commerce and Transport; Chief Secretary, Odisha and Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Odisha, Engineer-in-Chief, DoWR will also attend the programme on the occasion.
The Pakhya is being observed with much fanfare, involving the community and the stakeholders, with the purpose of acknowledging the importance of Pani Panchayats in water governance, participatory irrigation management and ensuring equity at the grass root level.
Circulation of Message of the Hon’ble Chief Minister for Pani Panchayat members, farmers and other important stakeholders; Raths, carrying Information Education Communication/ Social Behavioural Change Communication materials and audio visuals; Samabesha in presence of Pani Panchayat members, farmers and other important stakeholders; exhibitions in convergence with stakeholder Departments, including Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment; having talk shows in DD, AIR, Community Radio; holding debate/ essay/ painting/ quiz/ exhibiton of Model competitions amongst school children and awarding them are the highlights of the Pakhya.
Anthem, oath, banners, posters, brochures, slogans, tagline, centering water governance at the cutting edge have also been developed and circulated for creation of awareness on efficient water use, participatory irrigation management etc.
In the function , 50 best Pani Panchayats from different wings i.e Major & Medium, Minor, Lift Irrigation and 10 best Pani Panchayats from OIIPCRA funded Projects; 30 best farmers; 15 winners from various activities such as debate/ essay/ painting/ quiz / exhibition of model competitions; 12 best projects and 15 best officers, will be felicitated.
Besides the address of the Hon’ble Chief Minister; the major events of the day will centre around,a state level exhibition; awards; release of the coffee table book titled ‘Secha Sahabhagita 2.0’- A chronicle of the progressive journey of Pani Panchayats in Odisha. The event will also be showcased through a short film and a seminar on the topic “Ensuring Inclusion and Equity in Pani Panchayats”.
