Pakistan Today

Ahsan Iqbal stresses use of modern technology for water management

 

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior, and Planning Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said that use of modern technology and innovative methods for water management is a need of the era to secure water reservoirs in large benefits of the country.

He said this while addressing as a chief guest at the fourth international conference on the use of space technology for water management, jointly organised by United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) here.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, “The main objective of the conference is to promote the use of space technology applications in water management to the benefit of the developing countries as water is a lifeline for agriculture and economy in these countries.”

The minister also extended greetings to the foreign participants which included SUPARCO Chairman Qaiser Anees Khurrum, UNOOSA focal person Dr Mohamed Tarabzouni, Lorrent Czaran and Dr Abed Al Attaway of PSIPW.

“Water-resources management issues have become so pressing that the World Economic Forum named water as one of its top challenges two years in a row,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of Space Science and Technology, Ahsan said that the applications of this technology have proven time and again to be cost-effective, accurate and worthwhile in many areas, and undoubtedly efficient water management would be possible with the use of this technology. “At this juncture, it is imperative to raise awareness amongst the policymakers to employ this technology in this and other allied fields,” he added.

The minister welcomed all the participants of the conference and appreciated the efforts of SUPARCO for creating awareness amongst decision makers about the benefits of space sciences and technology. He further said, “It is also estimated that over the next 20 to 25 years, cities in developing countries will double and so will their demand for integrated approaches to managing water supply, water quality, sanitation, drainage and flood management.”

In his welcome address, SUPARCO Chairman Qaiser Anees Khurrum thanked UNOOSA for selecting Pakistan as the destination for this conference along with the national and foreign participants for attending it.

Over a 100 participants, scientists, eminent scholars from Pakistan, America, Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Canada will take part and present papers in this five-day long conference.

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