NATIONAL WATER POLICY 2002 ENVISAGES
TOP MOST PRIORITY TO DRINKING WATER : SETHI
NATIONAL
SEMINAR ON WATER FOR NCT, DELHI HELD TODAY
Newspapers and electronic
media are now-a-days full of news on the water problem in the
country in general and the NCT, Delhi in particular during this
part of the year. Shri Arjun Charan Sethi, Union Minister for
Water Resources aptly remarked that the situation in Delhi is
particularly alarming on the water front while inaugurating the
one day National Seminar here today. He said that the falling
ground water levels, reduced supplies from Haryana, closure of
Ganga canal for maintenance, uneven distribution, leakage and
pilferage by unauthorised colonies and increased demand in summer
have all contributed in no small measure to the problem. This
has further aggravated the situation by the Indian Meteorological
Department (IMD)’s prediction of not so good rainfall this season
and it has been a very depressing forecast as told by Shri Sethi
in his address.
In order to put water
situation in Delhi under microscopic examination and to evolve
an integrated and concerted approach towards sustained water management
in Delhi, Indian Association of Hydrologists (IAH), Delhi Regional
Centre organised a brainstorming session on Water for National
Capital Territory, Delhi jointly with Central Water Commission
(CWC), National Water Development Agency (NWDA), Water & Power
Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) under the aegis of Ministry of Water
Resources to sensitize the decision makers, experts and NGOs on
one platform to discuss various aspects of water management and
evolve long term sustainable development for fulfilling water
needs of NCT, Delhi. Shri Sethi advised the Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
to take necessary steps to conserve and augment resources available.
He stressed the need for the rain water harvesting on roof-top
on a large scale and the revival of traditional sources of water.
Metered supply to all consumers in household tanks to help in
conservation. Tankers supplies to MIG/HIG colonies need not be
made free but a nominal charge to be levied to cover operational
and maintenance cost.
The demands of Delhi
are going to rise in the future. He, therefore, impressed upon
the DJB to make laudable efforts to avert any crisis and on the
dual supply of treated water to new colonies for drinking purposes.
He laid stress on the NWP as it envisages top most priority to
drinking water. He summed up by saying that this Seminar would
be useful in arriving at solutions to cater to the water needs
of the citizens of the NCT.
Chairman, CWC said
in his welcome address by seeking the cooperation of the DJB and
water users of NCT, Delhi on the availability of quality of water.
The CEO, DJB was critical of the present water scenario in the
NCT, Delhi and laid stress on the increase in water tariff and
metering system to address the present situation on the waterfront.
He categorically told that this summer will be the last summer
of discontentment of the citizens of the NCT as many projects
like Sonia Vihar water treatment plant is due for operation and
there will be free flow of water to the scarce area. Secretary,
Ministry of Water Resources gave an overall view of the water
problem facing the NCT due to over exploitation of ground water
for irrigation and industry. The Chairman, IAH and Adviser, Planning
Commission (Water Resources) expressed the measures taken by the
Ministry and the DJB for augmenting Sonia Vihar new water treatment
plant would see to the immediate water needs of the NCT for the
coming years and on the mounting of awareness programmes among
the residents.
