sanitation for all

'Awareness only remedy to water crisis'

TNN, Dec 14, 2010, 12.31am IST

CHANDIGARH: The growing problem of water scarcity in Punjab kept hydrologists and scientists busy in discussions during a regional workshop organized at Panjab University on Monday.

Scientists claimed that the state was heading towards a gloomy situation as reflected in degradation and depletion of aquifers, the storehouse of water and that there was a need to adopted measures to control the depleting water table in Punjab.

Panjab University vice-chancellor RC Sobti called upon the scientists to find out ways for tackling the growing water scarcity problem, which was not just natural but more of a self-generated crisis due to mismanagement.

He said water resources of Punjab were strategic not only for the state but for the entire nation. "Food security of India depends upon availability of sufficient water resources of good quality and Punjab needs to manage the same in the best possible manner," the VC added.

During the workshop, it was emphasized that there was a need to create public awareness on water conservation and check water wastage going on at various levels. The workshop was presided by Dr Bhishm Kumar, the senior most scientist of National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) and convener of the event. He said as the groundwater in shallow aquifer was either declining or contaminated in many parts of Punjab, it was time to use shallow aquifers and deep aquifers in a conjunctive manner.

Senior professor in PU's department of geology Naval Kishore emphasized that the places where groundwater table was declining, the adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques be made to utilize the surplus.

The vice-chancellor also said the ministry of water resources had approved a grant of Rs 7.76 crore to Panjab University for demonstrating rainwater harvesting covering all buildings located on campus.