‘Check overexploitation of water resources in agriculture, industry’

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 14

The National Water Resources Department and Jal Shakti Mission on Thursday organised a workshop for judicious use of underground water in agricultural sector here. Rattan Lal Kataria, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, said there was no doubt that farmers of Punjab and Haryana had helped in making country food sufficient but at the same time water table had gone down drastically.

He said farmers of both the states produce paddy for selling only and the consumption of rice in Punjab and Haryana was very low. The minister stated that increase in population had also burdened water resources. He added that the Jal Shakti department was conceptualised with the need for conservation of water resources especially ground water. He said the department was also focussing on construction sector, industry and domestic use to reduce burden on water resources.

UP Singh, Secretary, Jal Shakti, said, “109 blocks in the state have been overexploited for water and situation is alarming.” He stressed at the need for revival of village ponds and other places which could help in recharge of ground water. He said that rain water should be harvested properly.

Additional Secretary G Ashok Kapoor said it was important that farmers in Punjab diversify to other crops rather than sowing paddy. He said the farmers farmers should also adopt newer irrigation techniques as drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation to reduce water consumption.

Principal Secretary Water Resources Department, Punjab, Sarvjit Singh, said if the Central government made effort to help farmers to diversify to other crops and reduce water consumption, the Punjabi farmers would extend their whole hearted support. He also listed efforts of the state government in this regard and stressed at the need for financial assistance from Union government in this regard.