By IANS
New Delhi : The government cannot continue to subsidise commercial use of water, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Tuesday, putting industrial and agricultural users of water on notice.
“Every living being has the right to potable water. However, for the economic use of water, especially in irrigation, construction and other sectors, we must emphasise the importance of efficient, economical and more rational use of water,” Manmohan Singh said.
“We cannot continue to subsidise the economic and commercial use of water,” he said at the National Congress on Ground Water – 2007 here.
The Prime Minister pointed out the long-term effect of providing free electricity to farmers.
“There are related policies that must also be corrected to ensure adequate emphasis on water conservation, especially ground water. For example, providing free power to farmers has encouraged excessive use of pump sets and excessive drawing of ground water.
“If there is economic pricing of power, there would be some incentive for conserving ground water. Water conservation and management can be better served through appropriate incentives and penalties,” the prime minister added.
Manmohan Singh said that today’s people faced a real danger of human conflict based on the need for water and “we must resolve together to ensure the equitable, efficient and environmentally friendly use of this life giving natural resource”.
He also emphasised the useful role of education and awareness. He urged Panchayati Raj institutions, NGOs, educational institutions, cooperatives, housing societies, welfare organisations, students and youth movements and all other stakeholders to play a vital role in spreading awareness and promoting water saving policies.