NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu said that by providing clean water and promoting water conservation, India can improve public health, boost agricultural productivity, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

She said this while addressing the probationers of the Indian Defence Estates Service, Military Engineer Services and Central Water Engineering Service at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the Central Water Engineering Service officers, the President said that sustainable development of water resources and efficient management of water is key to water security and growth, especially in the wake of changing climatic trends. By providing clean water and promoting water conservation, India can improve public health, boost agricultural productivity, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources. She underlined that the contribution of Central Water Engineering Service officers towards water infrastructure development, by providing engineering solutions, will make the country more resilient against natural and man-made water crises.

Addressing the Indian Defence Estates Service officers, the President said that in this era of rapid technological transformation, the integration of digital solutions is a necessity. It is their duty to stay abreast of the technological advancements and apply them in their functioning. She stated that Artificial Intelligence, drone-based land surveys, satellite imagery, and blockchain for property record maintenance are no longer futuristic concepts, they are becoming part of governance. She advised them to embrace green practices in infrastructure development, adopt renewable energy solutions, reduce wastage, and ensure water conservation in cantonments.

Addressing the Military Engineer Services officers, the President said that as emerging leaders in the field of military construction, young MES officers have a crucial responsibility not only to build but to build with responsibility. She stated that they should focus on the adoption of renewable energy sources to promote sustainable development and reduce carbon footprint of defense infrastructure. She was happy to note that aligned with the national vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, MES is actively promoting the use of indigenous materials and technologies under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.