NEW DELHI: Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz on Thursday said there was no cause for alarm over reports on China's plans to construct a dam on the Brahmaputra.

Speaking to media persons after launching the website of the Ministry (www.mowr.gov.in) , Mr. Soz said the Government was seized of the matter.

He said China perhaps wanted to generate 40 MW of power for a village.

Data exchanged

"Both India and China exchange hydrological data regularly. There is no situation for alarm."

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has notified 43 new water-deficit regions where ground water drawal was not commensurate with recharge.

The CGWB is nominated as the CGW Authority under the Environmental Protect Act and authorised with identifying and notifying regions where ground water levels were getting to precarious levels.

Mr. Soz said the Government was in touch with States for adoption of the Model Ground Water Bill. He said till 2005, as many as 20 areas were notified, while 23 have been notified in 2006 alone signifying the seriousness of the Ministry toward the issue. "Still, the situation is not alarming," he said.

Access to information

On the bilingual website, the Minister said it would project a "transparent" working of the Ministry and dissemination of information would be easier. The site would be made "interactive" later on.

An integrated search engine facility has been provided to facilitate the user. Emphasis has been laid on cyber security to make the site secure and free of hacking.

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