Govt to map natural water sources again

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 7

In a bid to revive the natural water sources, the government has decided to continue an ambitious programme to map all natural water sources in the state. The programme was started by the previous Congress government.

In the first phase, the natural water sources that have either dried up or have been reduced to a trickle are being mapped. Further, the Jal Sansthan has laid out a plan for the revival and rejuvenation of these water sources. Officials in the Jal Sansthan say around 2,000 sources and water schemes have been marked for mapping to be carried by Swajal.

The state government has also drafted a proposal for Rs 250 crore that will be sent to the Centre for seeking financial assistance. The budget will be utilised for the rejuvenation of the water resoruces. “As the BJP government at the Centre has been receptive to our demands, we intend to put up a proposal before the Centre,” said Prakash Pant, Minister for Department of Water Resources.       

The villages where water supply has not reached are around 2,053. The BJP government intends wants to fulfil its promise to provide water for all soon. “If we revive our natural sources that have dried up, it will benefit us immensely as we need not spend time in finding new sources,” said Arvind Hyanki, Secretary, water sources.