Minister calls for measures to check ground water decline

New Delhi, Sep 27 (UNI) Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz today called for immediate efforts to recharge the depleting ground water resources in the country.

Addressing a Workshop on 'Rain Water Harvesting' in the Sri Lankan town of kandy, he said being a precious resource, water needs to be managed carefully.

''We have to be alert and thoughtful to blend traditional wisdom with modernity to benefit wide sections of society,'' he said.

The minister said the falling ground water level was a real concern and there was an urgent need to augment the natural supply of ground water through artificial recharge. He stressed the need for adopting roof top harvesting to meet domestic requirements.

India, he said, had a proud record of managing its resources despite population growth. In view of the reduced per capita availability of water resources, he stressed the urgent need to conserve it and preserve its quality.

The minister said economic development of the country had led to an increased demand for water in various sectors but irrigation remained the largest water user accounting for 80 per cent of fresh water consumption.

He said increasing the pace of ground water development to meet the growing demands of water in agriculture, industrial and domestic sectors has led to over-exploitation of the resource which continues to decline.

In urban areas, he said, it was estimated that 37 lakh roof top rainwater-harvesting structures were feasible in the country. Till recently artificial recharge to ground water has been implemented mainly through government efforts but NGOs have also joined the effort doing a commendable job in select areas.

UNI MCN PM RP KP2009