By Dr. Jasim Mohammad,

Aligarh : Water is very necessary for life on earth and so all the civilizations have born on the banks of rivers and the best example of that is Indus and Ganges civilization in India said Ms. Saira Shah, Daughter of Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah while addressing an international seminar on “Food, Water & Environment – Innovation for Sustainable Growth” held by United World Halal Development at India Islamic Cultural Center, New Delhi toady. She pointed out that according to 1951 Census 5177 cubic meter drinking water was available in country which came down to only 1545 cubic meter in 2011 Census. She said that the current availability of drinking water is a serious issue which must be tackled before it become too late. She said that due to decreasing under ground water level, the country is facing acute drought and the farmers are committing suicide. She reminded that vast terrain of country like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are under drought.

Ms. Saira Shah said that there is dire need to under take massive work on rain water harvesting system and increasing forest cover. She said that a time has arrived when we must devote ourselves to translate slogan, “save water, save life & save world” into ground level reality for future generation.

Ms. Saira Shah said that water is a natural resource and all humans beings have equal right on it because it has been given by Allah Himself. She said that nobody has right to turn a natural resource like water into a commodity and so we all should oppose commercialization of water and water resources. She warned that future wars will be fought between various countries on water as it is known as “blue oil” currently which indicate its importance. She called upon the gathering to turn this unfortunate up side down.

On the occasion former Union Minority Welfare minister Najma Heptullah honoured Ms. Saira Shah by presenting her a memento.

Apart of Ms. Saira Shah, environmentalist Abdul Ghani and UNWHD (Singapore) Chairman, Mohamed Jinna also presented their views in seminar.