Delhi to get first water gallery (Hindu 10/12/2010)

Will give extensive and intensive details about water, its presence and conservation
NEW DELHI: There is water in everything, even in a pair of shoes. At the country's first ever gallery dedicated to water that is coming up in the city, such unusual details about water, its consumption, wastage and the need for conservation will be put together.
In a few days from now Delhi will get its first water museum, “Elixir of Life -- Water and Waste Water Gallery”, which has been designed and set up by the Delhi Jal Board in collaboration with the National Science Centre.
“The gallery will give extensive and intensive details about water and its presence in everyday life. Through interactive exhibits the gallery will talk about the importance of water and how it finds a place in every aspect of life. For instance how much water is needed to grow a single apple or how much water is there in a hamburger will all be made available at the gallery,” said DJB public relations officer Sanjam Chima.
More importantly the gallery will underscore the need for water conservation.
“Water is a commodity that is running out and in a city with a growing demand like Delhi, water conservation is important. Through the various exhibits we will focus on how much water gets wasted and why we need to conserve it, after all water sustains life and there is no alternative to it,” said Ms. Chima.
The gallery will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on December 14 at the National Science Centre. “The gallery has been set up on a turnkey basis and the DJB has spent Rs. 57 lakh on its creation. The funds for the gallery that took a year to shape up were received under the Yamuna Action Plan II. This gallery is part of the public awareness programme focussing on the conservation of water and the river Yamuna,” said Ms. Chima.
The entry to the exhibition will be through a virtual pond of water that creates ripples and sounds as one steps on it. “The Chief Minister's brief was to make the gallery state-of-the-art. It should be interesting and yet drive home the message of water conservation. The gallery has been equipped with simulated exhibits that uncover all aspects of water and its use. The exhibition ends with a quiz on water, and a pledge on water conservation, where the visitors can make a vow to conserve water and protect this unique life-supporting source for our future generations,” said Ms. Chima.