<p>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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.”<br />In urban areas, he said, while the requirement is 135 litres per person per day, only about 70 litres are being provided.<br /></p>
<p>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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.”<br />In urban areas, he said, while the requirement is 135 litres per person per day, only about 70 litres are being provided.<br /></p>