The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has initiated the ‘Jal Diwali-Women for Water, Water for Women’ campaign, in collaboration with the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and DAY-NULM, with the aim of empowering women in water governance. City Mayor Anup Gupta and Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra, IAS, inaugurated the campaign, which also involved sending 37 women Self-Help Group (SHG) members on an educational tour to water works in sector 12 and sector 39, referred to as ‘Amrut Mitra.’
The primary goal of the Jal Diwali campaign is to empower and inspire women through the participation of SHGs as “Amrut Mitra” in the city. The educational tour of water works is intended to provide these women with a deeper understanding of the processes involved in delivering clean and safe drinking water to households. The Municipal Corporation aims to foster a sense of ownership and belongingness among women towards the water infrastructure by offering them this firsthand experience. The campaign reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring clean water for all residents and seeks to ignite a sense of empowerment among the visiting SHGs. Mayor Anup Gupta expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, emphasizing that it is an important step towards women’s active participation in water governance. He believes that by involving and empowering women, a more inclusive and sustainable society can be created. He is confident that this campaign will inspire the participating women to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
MC Commissioner Anindita Mitra, IAS, stressed the significance of the campaign, stating that water is a precious resource, and it is essential to engage all members of society, including women, in its governance.
The Jal Diwali campaign aims to educate and empower women, enabling them to contribute effectively to the sustainable management of water resources. She hopes that this experience will encourage the participating SHGs to take similar initiatives within their communities, thus building a more sustainable and healthier future for all.
The Jal Diwali – Women for Water, Water for Women campaign represents a notable collaboration between AMRUT and DAY-NULM, demonstrating a collective commitment to promoting gender equality and sustainable water management. This initiative serves as a stepping stone towards the goal of providing clean and sustainable water resources for all residents of Chandigarh.