Nearly 90 per cent of surface water in Tamil Nadu had been exploited, said B.J. Pandian, Director of Water Technology Centre at Agriculture College and Research Institute (ACRI), Madurai, on Tuesday.
Speaking at a workshop on ‘Agriculture and irrigation,’ conducted by Water Technology Centre of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU), Coimbatore, and the ACRI, he said, “We have only groundwater resources left after over-exploitation of tanks. The demand for water in non-agriculture sectors is also growing. All stakeholders should take part in addressing issues related to water management,” Mr. Pandian said.
The workshop formed part of ‘Tamil Nadu Water Week 2014’ celebration organised by Dhan Foundation.
In his inaugural address, K. Palanisami, Director of International Institute of Water Management, Hyderabad, said better techniques must be employed for water management in the State. “We have scientific techniques, but the problem lies in implementing them. Updating technology and reaching out to people are important factors,” he said.
V. Veerabadran, retired professor of TNAU, insisted that the gap between demand and supply of water should be addressed. “The quality of water is deteriorating in several places. Every person should be concerned about these issues,” he said.
Stressing the importance of maintaining quality of water, C.R. Shanmugam, former dean of ACRI, said the issue required more attention.
The experts noted that the Water Week facilitated interaction between farmers, academicians and other stakeholders, leading to better water management and sustainable development. Seminars on water management in tank-fed irrigation, economic dimension and new thinking, issues and challenges in water management and various other topics were organised at the ACRI.
