Centre directs NE for womens' participation in water conservation

Agartala, Aug 05 (UNI) The Centre has asked the Northeastern states to ensure participation of women and students in water conservation, following steady decline of potable water resources.

Official sources here today said the Water Resources Ministry, in a recent communique, asked the NE state governments to make the people aware about water issues and encourage representation of women in Water Users' Association (WUAs) at all levels, especially in the hilly regions.

Referring to the ministry's instructions, official sources said that in pursuance of the provisions of National Water Policy, 1987 and 2002, farmers would be involved progressively in various aspects of irrigation systems management, particularly in water distribution.

Records stated that about 74 per cent of NE population live in villages, of which 54 per cent are engaged in agriculture, where women in particular contribute significantly to agricultural production. Hence, it was imperative to educate them about irrigation and water issues.

The ministry had suggested the NE state governments to amend the Irrigation Acts or come out with specific Acts facilitating women's participation.

''The marginal representation of women is not adequate in view of the magnitude of the issue and there is a need to encourage participation of more women in Water Users' Associations,'' the ministry guidelines stated.

UNI