Question : NATIONAL MISSION ON WATER CONSERVATION

(a) whether the Government propose to set up National Mission for water conservation;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether foreign technology is likely to be used for water conservation; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRIMATI BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)

(a) & (b) The Prime Minister has made an appeal to the Nation for making water conservation a National Mission. The following measures have been suggested in the appeal:

(i) Every household, housing society, colony, panchayat and municipal body should consider how it can save available water and implement rain water harvesting, water recycling and other measures before the end of this rainy season.

(ii) Individual farmers, farmers’ cooperatives, panchayats and district administrations in water-scarce areas should take up necessary measures like construction of bunds and check dams; desilting of ponds and wells; repair of canals; and adoption of drip, sprinker and other water-saving irrigation techniques. Implementation of the Union Government’s schemes like Swajaldhara and Hariyali, and similar schemes of State Governments should be expedited.

(iii) All industrial units, hotels and commercial establishments, government offices, and other users of water should conduct a water audit and see how significant and targeted saving can be achieved. In this context, the Prime Minister has directed his office to implement a plan to achieve at least a 10% reduction in the usage of water.

(iv) Cleaning of polluted rivers, lakes and ponds as well as measures to prevent their further pollution should become a matter of widespread debate and action.

(v) The scientists should take up development of low-cost water- saving technologies as a major challenge.

Various activities have been taken up by the Government such as mass awareness programmes, seminars & workshops, water harvesting / conservation schemes, etc.

(c) No, Sir.

(d) Does not arise.