Irrigation ministers to discuss ground water depletion

New Delhi, July 5 (UNI) The Union Ministry of Water Resources will convene a meeting of state Irrigation Ministers, in another ten days, to discuss ways of reducing ground water depletion by regulating its illegal exploitation.

The meeting, in which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to take part, will consider the views of the states on the Model Bill circulated among them. The bill suggests states set up a Ground Water Authority providing for mandatory representation to the Central Ground Water Board's nominee.

While most states have responded positively, there were also states like Punjab which are against setting up such Boards. The Bill also prescribes states to make rain water harvesting a must for all major buildings.

The forthcoming Parliamentary Consultative Committee will discuss about rain water harvesting on July 12, sources said.

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