DH NEWS SERVICE
New Delhi, july 23
President Droupadi Murmu addressed probationary officers of three prestigious services – the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), Military Engineer Services (MES), and Central Water Engineering Service (CWES) – during an interactive session at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. In her address, the President emphasized the importance of technological integration, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development in the discharge of their respective duties.
While speaking to the probationers of the Indian Defence Estates Service, President Murmu highlighted the critical role that technology must play in modern governance. She said, “In this era of rapid technological transformation, the integration of digital solutions is not a luxury but a necessity.” She pointed out that staying current with technological advancements is essential for effective administration, especially in land and estate management within the defence sector.
The President noted that tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone-based land surveys, satellite imagery, and blockchain technologies are no longer part of a distant future. These innovations are being incorporated into government functions and can revolutionize property record maintenance, land audits, and real-time monitoring. She advised the young IDES officers to adopt these innovations to enhance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in their operations.
Murmu also urged them to consider the ecological impact of their decisions. She encouraged the integration of green practices in infrastructure development across cantonments and military estates. “You must lead the way in adopting renewable energy solutions, reducing material wastage, and ensuring effective water conservation,” she stated. According to the President, the cantonments can become models of smart and sustainable living if managed with foresight and responsibility.
Addressing officers of the Military Engineer Services, President Murmu underlined their strategic role in shaping the nation’s defense infrastructure. MES officers are entrusted with the development and maintenance ofmilitary buildings, roads, airfields, and related infrastructure. She reminded them that their role was not only to build physical infrastructure but also to build with responsibility and purpose.
“As emerging leaders in the field of military construction, you must focus on infrastructure that is sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective,” she said. She encouraged them to explore the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy to reduce the carbon footprint of military facilities.
The President also praised MES for actively supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiatives. She noted that the promotion of indigenous materials and home-grown technologies by MES aligns with the national vision for reduced dependency on foreign imports and the strengthening of local industries. “This is a matter of national pride,” she said, “and a step towards building a self-sufficient and economically robust India.”
Turning her attention to the Central Water Engineering Service officers, President Murmu emphasized the significance of water as a critical resource for national development. With climate change posing increasing risks to water security, the President said that sustainable management of water resources is more important than ever.
She explained, “Sustainable development of water resources and efficient management are the keys to ensuring long-term water security, agricultural productivity, and economic growth.” The President pointed out that through engineering excellence, CWES officers can support large-scale irrigation projects, flood management, river linking, and water conservation efforts, which are all vital to India’s progress.
Murmu stressed the importance of clean drinking water supply, proper sanitation, and water-saving initiatives in the fight against public health crises and agricultural distress. She called upon the CWES officers to innovate and implement eco-friendly water infrastructure projects, keeping in mind the challenges posed by changing rainfall patterns, droughts, and urbanization.
She concluded by stating that India’s resilience to natural and man-made water crises would depend on the efficiency and vision of its water engineers. “Your contribution towards planning, designing, and executing water infrastructure projects will determine how effectively we manage one of our most precious natural resources,” she said.
Throughout her address, the President underscored the theme of integrated governance rooted in technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and national self-reliance. She expressed hope that the young officers would not only serve with technical expertise but also with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the nation’s future.
President Murmu’s interaction with these emerging officers reflects the government’s focus on creating a cadre of professionals who are technologically empowered, ecologically conscious, and aligned with India’s development vision. As they begin their careers, these officers are expected to be torchbearers of change in a rapidly evolving administrative landscape.
