The Press Information Bureau (PIB) held a Varta programme in Sepahijala on August 12, bringing together district officials and experts to discuss the Census, groundwater recharge and the social fight against drug abuse. The session also highlighted practical ways to conserve rainwater and strengthen public awareness.
Quick Glance
- PIB Agartala organised the Varta programme in Sepahijala district.
- Discussions covered the Census, Nasha Mukt Bharat and Catch the Rain.
- Officials highlighted rooftop rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
- Speakers stressed collective action against drug abuse.
- Participants also discussed challenges linked to the Census exercise.
Agartala August 12: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Agartala, organised a ‘Varta’ programme at the Office of the District Magistrate and Collector in Sepahijala district of Tripura today.
The programme brought together government officials and other resource persons. It focused on three key themes. These were the Census, Nasha Mukt Bharat and the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign.
The session placed particular emphasis on water conservation and the need to improve groundwater storage. Speakers also discussed public participation in addressing social challenges.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp. Subhash Dutta, Additional District Magistrate and Collector of Sepahijala, attended the event along with Deputy Collector Dibyasree Dasgupta.
Debasish Lodh, retired Assistant Director of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, and Ayan Saha, Officer-in-Charge of Udaipur Science Centre under the Tripura State Council for Science and Technology, also took part.
Census Awareness and Challenges
Subhash Dutta explained different aspects of the Census through a PowerPoint presentation. He also responded to questions from participants.
Deputy Collector Dibyasree Dasgupta spoke about the importance of the Census. She also highlighted common difficulties that officials and field workers may face during the Census process.
Both speakers stressed the importance of awareness and cooperation for the successful conduct of the exercise.
Focus on Rainwater Conservation
The ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign received considerable attention during the programme.
Dutta underlined the need to increase groundwater storage. He said uncontrolled rainwater runoff can also carry away fertile soil.
He called for greater public awareness about water conservation. He explained that households can collect rooftop rainwater through pipes and direct it into underground recharge pits.
Such measures can help replenish groundwater. Dutta said several locations have already started implementing similar initiatives.
Ayan Saha also spoke about rainwater conservation. He noted that only a small portion of the total rainfall received worldwide reaches the land.
He said communities could make better use of available rainwater by directing it underground through ponds, water bodies and other suitable methods. Even using a significant share of rainwater in this way could make a meaningful contribution to water conservation.
Call for Collective Action Against Drugs
Debasish Lodh focused on the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign. He said the initiative should not remain merely a slogan.
Lodh described the fight against drug abuse as a shared social responsibility. He recalled the Prime Minister’s call from the Red Fort on August 15, 2020, for building a drug-free India.
He urged society to assess the progress made towards that goal. He also stressed the need for collective efforts to prevent drug abuse and support people affected by addiction.
According to Lodh, society must help those struggling with addiction move away from destructive influences and towards a healthier life.
