The Hindu : National : Advisory panel for groundwater recharge

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 03, 2006

National

National

Advisory panel for groundwater recharge

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Centre has constituted a high-level Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Advisory Council. Chaired by Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz, the council will popularise the concept of artificial recharge, and work towards creating awareness, education, capacity building and development of low-cost technology.

The council will have representation from the Ministries of Urban and Rural Development, the Planning Commission and State Governments. Water experts, non-governmental organisations, representatives of farmers, financial institutions such as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd., the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry, Assocham, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Coal India will be members.

The terms of reference include setting priorities, area-specific technologies, and coordination among various State and Central Government organisations, NGOs, industries and other stakeholders. The council will periodically review the action taken by the Central and State Governments. The council will also look into funding strategies including private participation.

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