Gujarat bags top award for recharging of ground water

New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) Gujarat has been awarded the first prize for its innovative initiatives for managing natural resources through ''recharging of ground water in the abandoned Kabootri mine in Junagadh.'' The state was awarded the prize at the concluding function of World Sustainable Development Forum-Delhi Sustainable Development Summit-2007, organized by TERI.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh presented the award to Mr P.N. Roy Chowdhary, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat.

This is the second prize for Gujarat during this month. Earlier, the state received the best award in e-Governance by Union Communication and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran.

Mr. Roy Chowdhary said the drought-prone Saurashtra region in Gujarat has greatly benefited by recharging of sub-soil aquifers.

''Excess runoff rainwater is being easily utilised by diverting the same to abandoned mines and using those mines as water recharge units,'' he said, adding that the Kabootri mine is a unique example for recharging of ground water.

UNI