CII calls for action plan for water conservation

An action plan for water conservation is the need of the hour, opined speakers at the two-day 'Water Summit 2004' that kicked off in the city on Friday.

In his special address at the inaugural session of the summit being organised by CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) executive director V Raja Reddy expressed concern over the water scenario in Hyderabad.

"The availability of water is under great pressure from the growing population, growing demand, drying up water reservoirs and falling groundwater levels in the Hyderabad city. The groundwater levels in Hyderabad are falling by one to three metres every year. HMWSSB has the potential of supplying 210 mgd of water whereas it is at present supplying only 180 mgd because of these reasons," he said.

Making observations on the worsening water scenario in India and Andhra Pradesh, John Armstrong, senior vice-president of PA Consulting Group, said: "India draws the most groundwater in the world because of the high dependence on groundwater than surface water for agriculture. Quality of water is a serious issue with 40 per cent of AP's population exposed to unsafe water and eight per cent exposed to serious health risks from the same."

"India has the lowest per capita soil availability and soil erosion of 5,334 million tonnes aggravates the problem. Ineffective flood control mechanisms, deforestation and satiation of rivers have further compounded the problem," he added.

In his theme address, Sanjay C Kirloskar, chairman of Water Management Council, elaborated on water issues in the world.

"We need to adopt innovative and cost-effective approaches towards conserving water. Public-private partnerships will be very much helpful in building a better water infrastructure. The industrial sector should adopt integrated water management approaches which offer both economic and environmental advantages," he said.

The inaugural session of the summit attracted 120-strong participation from India and abroad.