Uma Bharti calls for active involvement of CBIP in river development programme

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti has called upon the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) to come forward and actively associate itself with the task of river development in the country.

Speaking at the CBIP day event on Thursday, Bharti said that a strategy has to be evolved for better water resources development and management through wider consultations among various stakeholders. She further said that efforts are on to ensure that only treated waste water is released into river Ganga.

"We are chalking out programmes to ensure that only treated waste water is released into Ganga so that we are able to maintain its sanctity. With its success the programme will serve as a model to demonstrate the methodology for improving the water quality of other polluted rivers" Bharti said.

Expressing concern over the pollution level of river water in the country, she said that rivers have become dumping grounds for municipal and industrial wastes.

"As a result of indiscriminate and indiscrete developmental activities, the clear fresh water, that were our national heritage and precious resources, have become dumping grounds for municipal and industrial wastes," she added.

She also presented the CBIP annual awards to 43 individuals and organizations to recognize the outstanding contribution of the engineers, scientists and administrators in the field of water resources, power and renewable energy sectors.