WWF launches water project in Godavari basin

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) In view of the major water crisis being faced in some Southern states, the World Wildlife Fund has launched a new project in Godavari basin as part of the Freshwater and Wetlands programme.

The project titled ''Reducing the impact of water-intensive and polluting crops: sustainable sources of freshwater to support the livelihoods of poor communities in the Godavari basin, India'' has been funded by the European Union.

The project will focus on Godavari basin which extends over an area of 312,812 sq km stretching in five states across western and central India. Water has now become the most precious natural resource and communities are struggling to meet the current economic, livelihood and environmental needs for freshwater.

Water shortages particularly impact on poor rural communities and, besides drought, are largely due to highly inefficient and polluting agricultural systems. Irrigation for agriculture now accounts for 91 per cent of the water abstracted from the Godavari River. Chemical pesticides and fertilisers play an important role in polluting water courses and causing serious health issues.

The project is under the European Union's Cofinancing with European development NGOs actions in developing countries programme for India and is a joint effort with WWF-UK. The project will be implemented by WWF-India with communities and partners.

Speaking on the launch of the programme last evening, Mr Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO of WWF-India said, ''Ensuring freshwater resources for agriculture and human consumption is increasingly becoming a major concern in the country. This project is a small step in our endeavour to roll out Better Management Practices among the farmers and communities of this area and ensure that the water is used in a sustainable manner.'' Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission Francisco Da Camara Gomes said the European Union and India share common goals and visions for the development of the region.

The EU association with the country has been on multiple levels and a testimony of this was the recent address of the EU parliament by the President of India.

''This project will aim to address water that is increasing by becoming an issue of mainstream concern to all in India and the EU.'' UNI