Water conservationist Rajendra Singh today favoured changing crop pattern in sync with rain trend, saying the move could help government in ensuring adequate water for drinking.
"We have (in Rajasthan) set up 11,600 small dams across rivers and nullahs to arrest water from flowing away and let it percolate in to the soil," the 'Waterman of India' said.
He was addressing a 'Jal Samwad' here in the presence of Yavatmal District Collector Sachindra Pratap Singh.
According to Singh, a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, changes in cropping pattern as per the rain pattern would be the most advisable step the government should take to ensure adequate water for drinking.
He asked the gathering to submit a memorandum to the Maharashtra government demanding passage and implementation of a 'Water Security Act'.
Singh said on May 10 he would submit a memorandum to the Centre demanding 'Water Security Act' and 'River Rejuvenating Act'.
Experts like Suresh Khanapurkar and Pradeep Purandare also expressed their views on water conservation.
Maharashtra is reeling under drought situation with several parts of the state facing acute water shortage.
