Water conservation
Rajya Sabha
Water being a State subject, necessary measures for water conservation are undertaken by the respective State Governments. However, Government of India encourages water conservation including rain water harvesting and recharge to ground water. Water conservation campaign has been launched keeping in view the various target groups like youth and children, women, farmers and villagers, policy and opinion makers. Publicity through print media, telecasting of spots on the television, broadcasting messages on radio, holding of seminar, workshops, conferences etc. have been undertaken for the purpose. A demonstrative scheme on “Rain Water Harvesting and Artificial Recharge to Ground Water” has also been taken up by the Central Ground Water Board.
The Ministry of Water Resources has requested all the State Governments to take up necessary measures for rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water. However, the choice of area specific measures to be adopted for water conservation including rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water governed by various factors including topography, hydrology, hydrogeology, land and soil characteristic etc. Ministry of Water Resources has not written to other State Governments to adopt the steps which have been taken by Government of Rajasthan.
This information was given by the Minister of Water Resources Prof. Saifuddin Soz in a written reply to a question by Shri Karnendu Bhattacharjee in the Rajya Sabha today.
SK/BS