Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu has suggested a five-pronged strategy to ensure adequate water for drinking and irrigation and overcoming water scarcity in the country.
Addressing “India Water Week – 2015”, a four-day international conference organised by the Water Resources Ministry, Naidu said awareness should be created first among the people about the need for judicious use and conservation of water.
Then, there is need for speedy work on inter-linking rivers (Ganga-Cauvery), a key item on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s agenda.
Naidu said people have to be educated about the advantages of river-linking schemes. Recalling that a task force was set up under current Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu’s leadership during the previous NDA regime, the minister said the scheme was technically suitable and financially viable.
Thirdly, Naidu said, all state governments must promote recycling and reuse of water. Fourthly, they must also enforce mandatory rain-water harvesting in a big way. The Centre would recommend the states to include a mandatory clause while approving construction plans.
Lastly, Naidu said, desalination plants should be set up for use of salt water. “Water is a scarce resource, and every drop of available water needs to be conserved. India has a population of about 17 per cent of the world, but only 4 per cent of its water resources.”
In urban areas, he said, while the requirement is 135 litres per person per day, only about 70 litres are being provided.