Date:04/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/07/04/stories/2007070450240801.htm

Back Water harvesting

The Government is rightly concerned about agricultural output lagging, while industrial production is booming. Rs 25,000 crore has been earmarked for revamping the agricultural production system. Water is a crucial input in farming, and gloomy forecasts are being made about its availability. But there is no emphasis on river-water harvesting. Huge amounts of water from the rivers are allowed to drain into the sea during the monsoon season.

Huge catchment tanks can be dug at suitable spots and the excess water channelled into them, from where water can be drawn as and when needed for cultivation. Part of the huge amount set aside for agriculture can be used for digging such tanks. Several such tanks across the countryside will also help conserve groundwater. Afforestation can be done around these lakes, to improve the environment and influence rainfall.

C. V. K. Moorthy Kolkata