PM to open National Ground Water Congress

New Delhi, Sept 11: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the National Ground Water Congress - 2007 here today. President Partibha Devisingh Patil will address the valedictory session of the Congress and will present 'National Water Award and Bhoomijal Samvardhan Purskars" later in the day. The main objectives of National Ground Water Congress are to develop strategies for sustainability and equitable use of ground water, to mitigate water and create awareness, evaluate the role of ground water in national food and water security, and promoting more crop and income per drop of water.

National Water Award and Bhoomijal Samvardhan Purskars are given for innovative practices of ground water augmentation through rain water harvesting and artificial recharge.

National Water Award consists of a cash award of Rs. 10 lakh and a plaque with citation.

The National Water Award shall be given for the best innovative practice of ground water augmentation through rain water harvesting and artificial recharge from amongst 18 award winners of the Bhoomijal Samvardhan Puraskar.

The Bhomijal Samvardhan Purskar consists of a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh each and a plague with citation.

There are 18 Puraskars in total. One each will be given for the three different categories - NGO, Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body in six zones.

Union Minister for Water Resources Prof. Saifuddin Soz, Union Minster of State for Water Resources Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, M.P and renowned water experts will also address the Congress.

The Congress will be attended by the Government, Non-Governmental agencies and various stake holders. Technical papers on ground water issues will be presented in the Congress.

ANI>