Gandhinagar: Union Environment Minister Prakash Javedkar Monday announced the launch of 'Jal Saksharta Abhiyan' (Water Literacy programme) to ensure awareness of water security among people.

The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India is observing “India Water Week” from January 13 to 17th in an effort to raise awareness, conserve and use of water resources in the integrated manner.

The theme for water week is “Water Management for Sustainable Development” and will address issues of sustainability of water resources development and management in line with Sustainable Development Goals-2015 being finalised by United Nations.

Addressing the ongoing global debate on 'Sustainable Development,' intertwined with the concerns around climate change and water security, Javedkar said that every person should work for conservation of water.

“Pilot project 2015 for cleaning Ganga will also take care of cleaning all other rivers in the country. It is our mission to ensure water security by 2025,” the minister added.

In his address, Rajendra K. Pachauri of IPCC spoke about changes in the global water cycles, the warming of the oceans and their acidification.

Danish Trade and Development Cooperation Minister Mogens Jensen said that India is projected to be reaching a “water stressed” situation and will face the largest urban expansion in next 50 years with far reaching consequences.

Earlier, Union water resources minister Uma Bharti has said that one day workshop will be organized in every district during the Water Week to find solution for meeting the water related demands and suggest future roadmap to manage water for growth. 

While Australia is the partner country for the event, Maharashtra is associated as the partner State.