Changing global scenario adds to complexities: Soz

New Delhi, Feb 20 (ANI): Union Minister of Water Resources Saifuddin Soz today said the changing global scenario has added to the complexities associated with water resources development and management.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 'Business meet on Environment and Water Technologies' organized by the Embassy of Denmark and Confederation of Indian Industry on the occasion of India-Danish Water Days, here, Soz said, "It is necessary to have a comprehensive planning to address the growing needs for various purposes.

"In order to ensure sustainable development for meeting the various demands, we have to adopt integrated approach for planning and regulation of the water resources system," he added.

He stressed that the objectives of integrated water resources development and management can be achieved through application of latest techniques and technologies in the processes of planning, implementation and management of water resources with very active participation of experts on one hand and the stakeholders on the other hand.

He said that there are instances of unsustainable development, particularly of groundwater resources, which have resulted in lowering in groundwater table in certain areas. Such decline in ground water table has also been partly responsible for deterioration of quality of ground water.

"It has to be ensured that such instances are not repeated and all the developments are planned in a sustainable manner. It is for this reason that Government of India has constituted the 'Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Advisory Council' where water experts and NGOs are working to build ways of conserving rainwater and recharging groundwater," he added.

The Minister opined that the interface between the governance and the civil society offers exciting possibilities and if handled properly, can yield rich dividends.

Prof. Soz stressed that the Research and development play vital role in proper evaluation of the challenges and in identifying the strategies to address the problems.

"This is one area which calls for maximum cooperation among all and we must learn from the experience of each other," he said. (ANI)