Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, Minister for Water Resources inaugurated the Water Summit 2004 organized by Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here today. The Summit was sponsored by the Ministry of Water Resources. Dr. Kirit S. Parikh, Member, Planning Commission delivered the Key Note Address. Shri V.K. Duggal, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources also addressed the participants at the inaugural session.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Shri Yogendra Kumar Modi, President, FICCI raised the important issues in the water sector and also described the initiative taken by FICCI, particularly those in respect of Water Audit and the concept of Zero Water Companies.
Shri V.K. Duggal, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources briefly talked about the water scenario in the country. He told the participants that although the water availability at the national level could be considered comfortable at the moment, some regions had already reached to scarcity conditions. He, therefore, emphasized on taking appropriate measures for using lesser water consuming techniques and the role of the private sector in this area. He welcomed the initiative of the industries on R & D in promoting Zero Water Companies, which was also a timely proposal. He told about the initiative taken by the Government in promoting these issues. He informed that policy proposal for a much greater cooperation not only with the Engineering NGOs and organizations but also with the other well known and established international NGOs and organizations such as Rotary International, Lions and industry federations and associations like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, etc. was agreed.
In his inaugural address, the Minister highlighted the need of development in irrigation sector and particularly the partnership of private sector with the government in the developmental activities. He mentioned that water conservation, indeed, is a very important issue and this issue is required to be addressed with all seriousness. However, plans are required to be developed and prepared keeping in view the community interest as a whole. The industries should come forward and start a positive campaign for water conservation to address the water crisis in the country. The Minister also mentioned about the National Water Policy and appreciated that the Policy document covers most of the aspects of water resources planning, development and management. However, it still lacks in addressing certain issues such as rainwater harvesting by Public Private partnership etc. The Minister also highlighted the importance of the quality of water and to address the problems arising out of it. He mentioned that it is high time that the private sector come forward and join hands in development of water resources of the country, particularly, in the field of rainwater harvesting and watershed management. To begin with, if concerned industrial houses make an aggressive campaign and plan to set up role models in respective states for rainwater harvesting and watershed development projects, it would be highly appreciated.
He asked the industries to come forward and take appropriate measures for maintaining the quality of water. He called upon the private sector to participate in the various activities of water resources sector and particularly in respect of research and development and water quality issues. He stressed that the private sector participation in water sector should be with greater responsibility and due accountability to the nation particularly on water quality aspects. The industrial houses, which are producing, bottled drinking water for soft drinking etc. should strictly adhere to the standards laid down for the same.
The Minister stated that his Ministry will give due attention to proposal for Public-Private Partnership and that a special cell would be established in the Ministry for this purpose. He informed that appropriate budgetary provisions will be made in the next financial year and onwards. He invited specific proposals on public-private partnership from industries.
Dr. Kirit S. Parikh, Member, Planning Commission in his key address emphasized for appropriate water charges in the country so as to avoid wastage of water by the users. He said that the ground water depletion is a matter of concern and therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to check it and recharge the groundwater aquifers. He further expressed that the private sector should expand their horizon from urban water supply sector to other sectors so as to cover the whole sector.
(Release ID :4952)