SRINAGAR: In recognition of his efforts in environmental conservation and water body rejuvenation, Manzoor Wangnoo, Chairman of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), was invited as a special guest by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. This honour highlights his unwavering dedication to preserving Kashmir’s fragile water ecosystem.
The celebrations extended to a special luncheon organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti the following day, where Wangnoo had the opportunity to interact with Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Patil, along with MoS V. Somaya, MoS Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Secretary of Water Resources, Debshri Mukharjee, and MD of the National Water Mission, Archana Varma. During the event, Wangnoo was presented with a memento, officially recognising him as the “Best Water Warrior.”
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Wangnoo dedicated the honour to the NLCO team, supportive administration, and committed stakeholders who have contributed to the restoration of Kashmir’s water bodies. “This recognition is not just mine but belongs to the collective efforts of everyone involved in Mission Ehsaas, which has successfully revived dead water bodies like Khushalsar and Gilsar and rejuvenated springs in the region,” Wangnoo said.
He thanked the Government of India and the Ministry of Jal Shakti for the honour, emphasising the need for collaboration and community-driven efforts to conserve natural resources for future generations.
As a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, Wangnoo called upon stakeholders to work together for a sustainable Kashmir. The recognition of his efforts serves as a beacon of inspiration for others to take up initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment and protecting water bodies. Wangnoo’s journey underscores the power of shared commitment in driving meaningful and transformative change.