Parliamentarians need to unite to overcome drought-like situation in several parts of the country, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said today.
Inaugurating a two-day workshop in the Parliament Library Building, she said diminishing water resources and other related factors pose formidable challenges before policy makers.
As many as 89 Members of Parliament attended the workshop, according to a statement.
The workshop is being held on three inter-linked subjects -- drought and related agrarian issues, drinking water management - problems and issues; and interlinking of rivers for water management.
Access to safe water for drinking, irrigation and other purposes is a matter of daily survival for a large population, Mahajan said, urging the MPs to devise credible strategies to manage and preserve water resources.
She outlined the desirability of interlinking of rivers and said all stakeholders have the responsibility to work together to ensure judicious use of water.
She said India is not able to make the required strides in agricultural production despite being endowed with enormous water potential.
Drought has tremendous impact on agricultural production and increase in drought-like situation results in greater instability in food security. In this regard, she highlighted the significance of continuing research to augment the existing technology.
