Uma Bharti calls for Water Revolution to fight drought situation
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has called for water revolution in the country. She expressed her concern over drought in certain parts of the country. She directed officials of Central Water Commission and other allied agencies in her Ministry to visit every block of drought affected areas in the country to chalk out a detailed plan to face this challenge.
Sushri Bharti also announced that 100 villages dominated by SCs in the country will be selected under Jal Gram Scheme for water conservation. Jal Gram is a schemes under Jal Kranti Abhiyan of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in which two water starved villages will be selected from every district in the country for all round development of water resources. The Minister referred to little known contributions of Baba Saheb in water resources sector and announced that from next year her Ministry will celebrate Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary as Jal Divas.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is well known as the main architect of India’s Constitution and leader of oppressed. However, his contribution in the field of management of India’s water resources is not widely known. During his tenure as Member (Labour) of the Viceroy’s Executive Council (1942-1946), Dr. Ambedkar steered formation of a definite All-India Policy for the development of water resources in the country. In order to further this task, he laid foundation of Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission (CWINC) which was forerunner of the present day Central Water Commission (CWC).
Dr. Ambedkar advocated the concept of River Valley Authority or corporation for integrated development of the rivers. He introduced the concept of multi-purpose development of river basin in the country and his efforts in this direction have culminated with multipurpose development of Damodar, Mahanadi and other rivers immediately after independence. He was instrumental in inclusion of Entry 56 of List 1 and introduction of article 262 regarding the adjudication of disputes related to waters of inter-sate rivers or river valleys.