Tokyo [Japan], March 21 (ANI): Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, lies in Shiga Prefecture and originated about 4.4 million years ago. Over its long history the lake has been a center for waterborne transport, a source of municipal water, and a base for the fishing industry. Its clean environment is maintained through persistent technological development and conservation efforts. That clean environment and a culture of health have helped make Shiga one of Japan’s top longevity prefectures.
Building on its record in environmental protection and livability, Shiga Prefecture is looking to contribute to development abroad, particularly in India.
Shiga Governor Taizo Mikazuki described the prefecture’s character: “Lake Biwa is an old lake that supplies water and various conveniences to 15 million people in the Kansai area, including 1.4 million citizens of Shiga Prefecture. Respect for and proper use of water are central to Shiga’s policy and philosophy. We studied how protecting water resources contributes to societal development. In the 1980s Shiga established a friendship agreement with Hunan Province, home to Lake Dongting, and pursued exchanges on water management and agricultural projects. For Vietnam, Shiga contributed to purifying the waters of Ha Long Bay. Those experiences will be useful for Indian society.”
Governor Mikazuki also envisions that a hydrogen project can aid the establishment of cleaner societies in India. “Shiga Prefecture is organizing a hydrogen supply network covering the Chubu, Kansai, and Hokuriku regions. Shiga is located at the center of those areas,” he said.
Mikazuki emphasized advancing a circular economy in Shiga. “We launched the ‘Repair Challenge’ to refurbish old furniture for resale. Sewage sludge and treated water from facilities around Lake Biwa are being converted into agricultural fertilizer. We are identifying which of these experiences and technologies could be useful for different Indian states. Our engagement goes beyond industry to include cultural and business exchanges—Indian music festivals and business seminars featuring Shiga companies such as Fujitec, Shiga Bank, Hiyoshi, Yanmar, Panasonic, and others.”
Shiga’s long project to preserve Lake Biwa has also nurtured local environmental companies, including Hiyoshi Ecological Services. The prefecture’s government has hands-on experience addressing on-the-ground problems, which drives detailed information gathering and the development of treatment technologies and skills. Those capabilities are resources for building sustainable, clean, and comfortable societies. (ANI)
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