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The Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Shri V.K.Duggal, has called for reversing the current situation of declining trends of ground water levels. Addressing the Mass Awareness Programme on the final day of the ‘Rain Water Harvesting Week’, here today, Shri Duggal stressed the need for changing our approach and attitude towards water, a basic human necessity.
Stating that India has transitioned from a situation of surplus to deficient water resources, Shri Duggal said that “ground water conservation and augmentation have become a matter of great concern”, adding that “increased dependence on ground water for various uses has led to declining trend of ground water levels in various parts of the country”.
“In Delhi, water levels have declined drastically during the last two decades especially in South and Southwest districts, where the distribution of piped water supply is inadequate to cater to the needs of the growing population. In these areas during the past decade, substantial urbanization has also taken place, which has added to the problem of over-exploitation of ground water”, he added.
Shri Duggal further pointed out that in urban areas like Delhi, where natural recharge to ground water has been considerably reduced, roof top rainwater harvesting has become the need of the hour.
“During the last plan period, 16 rainwater harvesting schemes have been implemented in Delhi including roof top rain water harvesting in Rashtrapati Bhawan, Prime Minister’s Office, Shram Shakti Bhawan, etc. Central Ground Water Board has also rendered technical guidance for preparation of designs for Rain Water Harvesting structures for Govt. buildings, institutions, hotels, schools, industries, housing societies and individuals” he said.
Rain water harvesting has gained tremendous momentum and additional impetus on this has been given by implementing rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water for the flyovers constructed in Delhi, Shri Duggal added.
AKS/rs
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