“Close every dripping tap, it is the nectar of life”: Alok Verma, Director In-Charge
Team News Riveting
Rourkela, March 23
“Close every dripping tap, it is the nectar of life”, said Alok Verma, Director In-Charge Rourkela Steel Plant while delivering his address as the Chief Guest at the World Water Day Celebrations on 23rd March 2026. B K Giri, ED (MD-CMLO), B R Palai, ED (Works), Anil Kumar, ED (MM), M P Singh, ED (Mines) were also present on the dais in the programme organised by Water Management Department of RSP at L&D Centre. Several CGMs, Heads of Departments, other senior officers and a large number of employees of Works area, students and guardians attended the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering DIC highlighted the critical role of water as the lifeline of both civilization and industrial operations at SAIL RSP. “Abundance and crises are the two extremes of today’s global water scenario. We have to behave responsibly, so that water which is available to us in abundance should not be scare tomorrow,” he added. Verma also stressed on rain water harvesting for enhancing the ground water level.
Speaking on the occasion Palai highlighted the critical role of water in sustaining both industrial operations and ecological balance. Citing the example of Raw Material Handling Plant, where water conservation efforts have yielded substantial benefits, Palai underlined the importance of adopting a responsible approach towards usage of water.
The proceedings began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp amidst chanting of Vedic Shlokas by S. Panda, SOST, Water Management Department. The dignitaries also presented prizes to the winners of the various competitions organized for the employees and students to mark the occasion. A short film on water conservation was screened on the occasion. S Priyadarshini Jena, a Class-7 student of Chinmay English Medium School, and first prize winner of elocution competition in her category presented a powerful talk on the theme of water conservation.
Asha S Kartha, CGM (Utilities & Environment) delivered the welcome address and gave an insight into the theme for this year that is ‘Water and Gender’. Debajit Rabha, GM In-charge (WMD) proposed a vote of thanks. Ajit kumar Behera, GM, WMD coordinated the award distribution ceremony & Deepak Garg, Manager (WMD) anchored the event.
It is to be noted that 22nd March is being celebrated as World Water Day as per a resolution passed by the UN in 1992. In RSP it is being observed since 2004. RSP has the credit of being the first unit in SAIL to formulate and adopt a Water Policy and conduct first External Water Audit.
