Groundwater Bill opposed

Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly V. K. Malhotra has said that about 1,700 unauthorised colonies and slums would be deprived of water if the Delhi Government introduces the groundwater Bill.

Reacting to the proposed Bill, Prof. Malhotra said these colonies are dependent on groundwater for their daily needs.

"While the Government's concern over the falling levels of groundwater is shared by all, it is equally true that there has been no serious attempt by it to help raise the groundwater level. Now, by suddenly introducing the groundwater Bill, the Government will effectively cut off the only source of water for hundreds of colonies across the city," he said.

Prof. Malhotra said the Chief Minister, who is also the chairperson of the Delhi Jal Board, has failed comprehensively in improving its management and working: "Shortage of water is the single most important issue for most people, particularly those living in South Delhi. The Chief Minister has also failed to curb the growing menace of the tanker mafia in the city."

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With thanks : source : HINDU

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Water Harvesting

Water harvesting is the need of the hour. Demand of water consumption is out stripping the supply and we have to beg or threaten others to quench thirst of delhites. The contribution of government at centre or state level does not inspire any confidence. It is good to observe that now delhi government is activating the abandoned RENNY WELLS. I had seen at three to four feet water level along ring road while erecting 33kv(33000volts)tower line from Indraprasth Power Station to Kilokri village(very near to maharani bagh new delhi).

In fact not only water was gushing out but snakes also coming out from the pits being dug from tower foundation pits. Even in south Delhi, hand pumps were sunk to less than thirty feet. Now even in east delhi..water table is going down. It is possible that wars in less than fifty years may be fought for water.

It is amazing how government was advertising and telling individuals to harvest rain water. At least now government must wake up, action action plan for 2010 to 2011 needs to be announced. Five year plans need to be formulated and monitored by activating bhagidars.

kk ghei
vice president
RWA madhuvan new delhi 110092

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit dedicates Diageo’s ‘Water of Life’ initiative to Delhi residents

You are here: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit dedicates Diageo’s ‘Water of Life’ initiative to Delhi residents.

Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and VAT 69, today dedicated its latest Water of Life initiative in India, the Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan in Delhi.

Chief Minister, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, was the chief guest at the dedication ceremony of Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan along with Ramakant Goswami, MLA and Vice Chairman of Delhi Jal Board and Bishan Singh Bedi, former captain of the Indian Cricket team. This public private sector partnership is supported by the Bhagidari initiative of the Delhi government with implementation support from the Delhi Jal Board, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority and Central Groundwater Board.

Diageo has teamed up with the Forum for Organised Resource Conservation and Enhancement (FORCE), a leading water conservation NGO, to construct rainwater harvesting structures for the replenishment of groundwater through 50 abandoned tubewells in Delhi. It is estimated that the project will provide between 10,000-14,000 people with up to 40 million liters of clean water per year.

Diageo’s Water of Life programs across the world provide local communities with greater access to clean water and advance environmental conservation in line with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which include halving the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water by 2015.

In addition to the tangible benefits of increased water access, this project aims to foster greater awareness and education among local communities about the importance of water conservation, particularly among the youth. Diageo is building community capability by working closely with the Resident Welfare Associations, the Delhi Jal (water) Board and local government, as well as by involving Diageo employees.

Roland Abella, Managing Director, Diageo India said, “Access to clean water is a universal human need and holds a special significance for our business, which itself depends on a reliable supply of clean water. Projects such as the Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan which provide access to water and promote environmental conservation reflect our commitment to support local communities and represent an important component of our Water of Life program.”

Jyoti Sharma, President, FORCE added, “80% of rural India and 50% of urban India is dependent upon groundwater for its domestic water needs. Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan is an excellent example of a joint stakeholder effort to ensure drinking water security for this vulnerable segment. We look forward to continued collaboration with Diageo”.

Lin Menuhin, Corporate Social Responsibility Director, Diageo Asia Pacific, told reporters at the dedication ceremony, “We are delighted to be contributing to the local community here in Delhi. We have a long-standing relationship with India through our brands and it is important that we also invest in the social wellbeing of the communities. Together, as individuals and as a business, we can make a difference.”

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Ramakant Goswami, Bishan Singh Bedi, Diageo, FORCE and the residents of Naraina Vihar were the first to sign the pledge committing to respect and value water everyday in every way.

with thanks : source : http://www.webnewswire.com/node/516382

www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com