500 dams coming up in India

Lucknow, Feb 13 (UNI) India's water storage capacity is in for a major boost, as almost 500 dams are being constructed all over the country.

The new dams would add to the existing 4,500 dams, which the country has commissioned over the last 60 years.

This was informed by Central Board of Irrigation and Power, Secretary G N Mathur at the inaugural session of sixth International R and D Conference (Sustainable Development of Water and Energy Resources - Needs and Challenges) here today.

''India has a total of 225 billion cubic metres of water storage capacity at present,'' he added.

However, he warned, we needed to add to that capacity in the right earnest, to prepare for the future water and power needs, that is now beginning to burst at the seams.

''A tropical country like India needs to add several hundred billion cubic metres of water storage capacity in the next 10-15 years, lest its scarcity starts hitting our agricultural and general development needs,'' he reiterated.

Mr Mathur also dwelled upon the fact, that the new dams should be environmentally sustainable and take into account the rehabilitation of the affected populace.

''The onus of preserving water is on the developing countries, due to their growing needs pertaining to irrigtion, power and farming,'' he reminded.

Mr Mathur said India should also harness the vast potential of nuclear, tidal and wind energy to meet the growing energy and power demands, along with the traditional energy sources such as thermal and hydro.

The international conference has been hosted by the Uttar Pradesh power and irrigation departments. Managing Director, UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) Avnish Kumar Awasthi also addressed the gathering and listed the works undertaken by the state government in this regard.

UNI