A parliamentary committee has slammed the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation for its "lackadaisical approach" over non-completion of research projects in the area of water quality.
A Standing Committee Report on Rural Development, which was tabled today in Parliament, said, "The committee strongly recommends that the government take corrective follow-up action for timely completion of projects in order to promote research and development in the area of water quality."
The committee observed that against the target of 149 sanctioned research projects, only 127 had been completed.
The ministry funds R&D projects by premier institutions, universities and autonomous organisations for research into the various aspects of drinking water quality. It has also set up a Research and Development Advisory Committee (R&DAC) for the purpose.
"During the year 2012-13, a total of five R&D projects were approved by R&DAC. However, no R&D project is reported as having been completed during 2011-12 and 2012-13," the report said.
"The committee regrets to find that the ministry has not initiated any corrective action in this regard and is yet to follow up with the R&D institutions," the report added.
