Telangana Pitches Unified National Water Security Framework
State seeks convergence of water schemes to ensure measurable and lasting benefits.
Hyderabad: Telangana on Wednesday called on the Centre and all states to adopt a unified framework for national water security, saying the issue cannot be treated merely as an engineering responsibility or a departmental programme.
Water security should be a public mission and be seen as crucial to drinking water availability, agricultural stability, rural livelihoods, urban resilience and environmental protection, Telangana said at the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari summit organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in New Delhi.
Every water-conservation work should form part of a single water-security plan, carry a unique identity, have a clearly designated responsible agency and deliver a measurable outcome, Telangana said.
Water-conservation works currently funded through programmes such as MGNREGS, PMKSY, Finance Commission grants, CAMPA, watershed initiatives, State schemes, local bodies and CSR funds could lead to fragmented planning, unsuitable site selection, duplication, repeated reporting and poor maintenance in the absence of effective convergence, it said.
Irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, who pitched these ideas, said, “Every rupee spent, every structure created and every community mobilised must produce a measurable and lasting water benefit.” Telangana was ready to share its experience in tank restoration, community participation and reservoir desiltation pilots with other states, he added.