By IANS,
New Delhi : The Indian government Thursday approved of a Rs.34 billion scheme to develop a water resources information system over the next three years.
“The objective of the scheme is to collect the necessary information from various sources, ensure observation of important data and to develop an information system on water resources,” Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters after a meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“The objective is to make available all relevant information about water resources and their utilization for organisations, agencies and individuals associated with the planning, development, management and research in the area,” the minister explained.
“Except for the sensitive and classified data, all the information will also be in the public domain,” Chidambaram added.
“It will also be of benefit in assessing water availability and utilization with the help of reliable data and information in a scientific manner.
“This will result in better planning, design and management and faster resolution of water related disputes,” the minister said.
The scheme will be fully operational by the end of 2011, he added.