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Union Minister for Urban Development & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad today called for special efforts to encourage rain water harvesting to improve ground water level in view of depleting ground water level due to access withdrawals. He was addressing the delegates at the workshop, "Delhi Jal Board and the Need for Change", organised by Delhi Jal Board in the capital. Shri Azad also emphasised on the need for reuse and re-cycling of waste water to meet the requirements of irrigation, industry and other non-potable requirements.
Shri Azad also said that the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the UPA Government places high priority on the problem of drinking water supply in urban areas and the government is committed to reforms in water supply sector, to ensure increased availability of water in urban areas by increasing efficient use of water, rehabilitation of the out-dated system, putting in place leak detection and water audit system and optimum utilisation of the water resources, besides emphasising on water conservation measures.
Shri Azad also said that distribution losses are one of the major areas of concern and several studies have shown water losses in order to 20% to 50% of the total flow of water in the system. "Hence, control of wastage can lead to substantial increase in the availability of water", he added. Shri Azad called for systematic approach towards wastage, leakage, and preventive maintenance to save considerable quantity of water and prevent possible contamination and for increasing revenue to make the system self-sufficient. He also suggested that metering of water supply is essential to minimise wastage and to maintain economic pricing of water.
He emphasised the need for levy of user charges to ensure proper operation and maintenance besides generating resources for further investment in the system. "There is a need for greater role for the private sector in provisioning as well as operation and management of water supply system", he added.
Among others present on the occasion were the Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit and Delhi Jal Board Chairman.
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