CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5: Strongly advocating the need for adopting a holistic approach, for the better utilization of Ground Water, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, called for combined efforts at all levels as a national mission with the focus on ‘ownership, involvement and commitment’ in various programmes launched for tackling the problem of our fast depleting water resources. We have to rise above regional considerations and build more water retention capacity and contain flood water, by amicably sorting out inter-state water conservation issues, to ensure sustainable and equitable national development.
Inaugurating a Regional Ground Water Summit – 2009 at CII Complex jointly organized by Central Ground Water Board and Confederation of Indian Industry, here today, General Rodrigues stressed that the issue of ground water depletion is under debate all over the country and its ill-affects on our social and economic development are a matter of serious concern. It is, therefore, imperative that we change our attitudes and develop innovative ground water conservation strategies to make a positive contribution for a safe and secure future.
Expressing his anguish over the alarming rate of depletion of the ground water table, General Rodrigues said that effective & efficient management systems must be evolved to explore the scope of using tertiary water, besides checking the over- exploitation of available water resources. He said that latest innovative scientific technologies must be adopted in our factories and industrial establishments and CII & PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry must support such ventures. He said that these industrial apex bodies must also expand their reach to colleges and universities to generate awareness among our students to carry forward the message of water conservation measures.
General Rodrigues further said that in the Union Territory, Chandigarh, we have successfully implemented various schemes of the Government of India, Water Resources Ministry and Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission by formulating comprehensive action plans for water harvesting and creating water bodies for recharging of ground water, besides taking steps for making available tertiary water for its use in green belts and parks. Similarly, he said that in Punjab, priority has been given to crop diversification, which is also one of the major contributing factor for saving ground water resources.
General Rodrigues also suggested for creating more ponded capacity to retain excessive rain water, which at present is going waste, by constructing more check dams and restoring our ponding capacity at Harike and Hussainwala.
Dr. B.M Jha, Chairman, Central Ground Water Board, while highlighting the steps taken by the organization said that a multi-disciplinary approach has been adopted to develop and disseminate technologies, implement and monitor national policies on sustainable development and management of ground water resources. He further said that regional hydro geological studies have been carried out which provide information on ground water occurrence in different terrains and are essential for future planning of ground water development and management.
Dr. D.K. Chadha, former Chairman of Central Ground Water Board emphasized the need of introducing hydro-geological courses in Colleges and Universities with focus on research to produce manpower for managing water resources in the Country.
Mr. Partap K. Aggarwal, Chairman CII, Chandigarh Council highlighted the various initiatives being taken by the Confederation of Indian Industry for conserving water resources and ensure their judicious use in the industrial establishments. He said that keeping in view the importance of this subject, the CII has make it a part of the agenda of their social, economic and industrial advancement.
Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor, senior officers from Punjab and Haryana, industrialists, & scientists attended the function