How jal can become Shakti

The newly christened ministry is expected to work on harnessing the potential of rivers, settling inter-state water disputes and other functions of the erstwhile water resources ministry

While the debate on air pollution peaks only during winters, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR), thoughts on water contamination and wildlife protection largely remain under the radar in the country, with no visible concerns being expressed either by government functionaries or the citizenry. Debate on these issues remain in the periphery, and certainly outside the NCR.

That said, the BJP’s manifesto promise of providing safe drinking water is being speculated to be the reason that a Jal Shakti ministry was formed. This year, when the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted 47 per cent deficit or below normal rainfall in