Soz calls upon Punjab, Karnataka to adopt rainwater bill

Bangalore, Jun 11 (UNI) Union water resources Minister Saifuddin Soz today called upon the states which have yet to adopted the draft bill on rain water harvesting and recharging of ground water proposed by the Centre.

Speaking after inaugurating the 'Bhujal Bhawan' the new building of the Central Ground Water Board here he said conscious effort was needed to tackle the precaurious situation arising out of the water table going down in many states.

"I strongly argue that we must use surface water to the maximum extent and minimise the use of ground water. Unfortunately frontline states like Karnataka and Punjab have not adopted the bill as statute so far. they are wrong. The ground water level in these two states have gone down," he said.

He said Karnataka had taken up many reforms and should also adopt this bill. He said the union government would extend all help to Karnataka in harnessing the rainwater and conserving the ground water.

"I am told that the bill would be tabled in the Assembly shortly.

I am happy that measures on rainwater harvesting has already been made compulsory in public buildings. Karnataka receives above the national average of 1800 mm rain per year and its use should be maximised," he said.

The minister urged the state governments to ensure that water collected through rainwater harvesting for human consumption and not waste it for purposes like gardening.

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