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Dr. Madhavrao Chitale, born in
1934, graduated with distinction in Civil
Engineering in 1955 and joined the Maharashtra State
Engineering Service (Class I) in 1956, where he held
engineering posts at various levels associated with
planning, investigation and construction of river
valley projects and then worked as Secretary to the
Government of Maharashtra (1981-1983), before moving
over to the Government of India in 1984, as
Commissioner, River Basins. He was appointed as
Chairman, Central Water Commission (apex body of
India's water sector) and Ex-Officio Secretary to
the Government of India in 1985 and thereafter as
Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Government
of India from 1989. He retired from Government
service in August 1992.
Dr. Chitale was
Chairman of Indian National Committee on Large Dams
(1986-1987), Indian National Committee of ICID
(1986-1987), and Indian National Committee on
Hydrology (1985-1988), President, Indian Water
Resources Society (1989-1990), and a Vice President,
International Water Resources Association
(1989-1991). He is member of the United Nations
Environmental Program's Water Advisory Committee
(since 1989) and Vice President of the Indian
National Academy of Engineering (1992-1993). He was
honoured with the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris
Causa) by the Jawahar Lal Nehru Technological
University, Hyderabad in 1989. Member of the United
Nations Environment Program's Water Advisory
Committee (1989-92). Member of the Scientific and
Programme Committee of the International Lake
Environment Foundation (ILEC) since May 1995. Member
of the Interim Foundation Committee for World Water
Council since April 1995 and then Member of the
Interim Board of Governors of WWC since March 1996
and of the Executive Committee of WWC since June
1996. Chairman, Maharashtra State (2nd) Irrigation
Commission since January 1996.
Dr. Chitale was
awarded Stockholm Water Prize in 1993 for his
contribution to the conservation of the worlds water
resources and public education programmes. As a result of Dr. Chitale's efforts, the recent years have been the
most dynamic for the water sector in India. His work
resulted in an introduction of sound water resources
policies, including water pollution control and
water quality management, throughout the nation.
Previously little attention was given to the subject
and most of the work was fragmented.
The nomination of Dr.
Chitale reflected the enormous impact of political
education and solid administrative and
organisational skills in the process of structuring
water conservation in developing countries. The
choice of Dr. Chitale proved that high standards of
water management are not only applicable in the
western industrialised world.
Dr. Chitale recognised
the need for public awareness of, and support for,
the value of water resources. He introduced a "Water
Resources Day," which takes place once a year
throughout the vast subcontinent to increase public
awareness of the problems associated with the
management and supply of water for domestic,
industrial and agricultural use.
This effort placed the
subject of water on the priority agenda not only of
India but also of the bordering countries in South
Asia. He received many honours and awards in recent
years for his achievements for the millions of
people in the region who benefit from his work. Dr. Chitale has had a
brilliant career in the water-oriented industry
since graduating with first class honours with
distinction in 1955.
In 1956 he joined the
Maharashtra State Engineering Service working in a
variety of water projects, including some of the
most challenging and complex tasks in design and
construction of dams, irrigation schemes, water
supply and power projects. Among his achievements
was the rapid restoration of Pune City water supply
after the collapse of the Panshet and Khadakwasla
dams and the construction of under-creek tunnels for
the water supply to Bombay.
His talents being
greatly recognised, the Indian government appointed
him Commission for River Basins and in 1985 Chairman
of the Central Water Commission. In 1989 he was
appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Water
Resources for the Government of India, the highest
rank in India which an engineer can occupy. His
appointment to this position was recognition of his
abilities and the contributions he had made.
During recent years he
initiated the establishment of a National Water
Board for the implementation of a National Water
Policy which he was instrumental in forming in 1987.
The proposal materialised in September 19990 and the
National Water Board is responsible for initiating
effective measures for the systematic development of
the water resources in India.
He reorganised the
Central Water Commission in 1991 and established an
Environmental Management Organisation also covering
environmental impact assessment studies and
environmental monitoring. He was instrumental in
establishing the Water Quality Monitoring and
Management of the Ganges.
On an international
basis, Dr. Chitale has made many presentations
throughout the world and his publications on water
resources have been studied eagerly by those
interested in the subject. He has been a member of
the United Nations Environment Programme's Water
Advisory Committee. In the early 90s Dr. Chitale
retired from service within the Government of India
and accepted the post of Secretary General for the
International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage
from January 1, 1993. This appointment was another
recognition of his international standing the field
of water resources.
Click
Here for "The Story of the Stockholm Water Prize
Laureates"
Click
Here for Marathi Article by Shri. Vidyanand Ranade
on Dr. Madhavrao Chitale
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