Water crisis more severe than energy problem: Montek

June 10, 2011 10:20 pm | Updated August 18, 2016 12:12 pm IST - Bangalore:

Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia said on Friday that the 12th Five Year Plan, which commences in 2012, would have to contend with a “severe water crisis.”

“The water crisis is even more serious than the energy problem,” Dr. Ahluwalia said at a two-day regional consultation meeting of the southern States.

Urging for a political consensus on the adoption of the Public Trust Doctrine in the usage of groundwater, Dr. Ahluwalia said: “A special session of the National Development Council may have to discuss this. Scientific techniques are needed to map aquifers in order to determine how much water we actually have.”

The 12th Plan would have to aim at “faster, more inclusive and sustainable growth.” The availability of energy and water, and question of environmental sustainability are “major issues.”

“Growth in agriculture is not going to come from cereals but from horticulture, fisheries and animal husbandry,” he said.

A target of 9-9.5 per cent growth during the 12th Plan (2012-2017) “appears feasible.” Dr. Ahluwalia admitted that the average annual growth rate in the 11th Plan period was likely to be only 8.2 per cent, short of the targeted 9 per cent.

“Even 9 per cent growth would require strong policy action,” he said.

The target for the 12th Plan hinged critically on the manufacturing sector growing at 12 per cent. “However, in the recent past, it has grown at only 8-9 per cent.”

Referring to foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, Dr. Ahluwalia said, “The Commission considers this a desirable step.” The expenditure on health should increase from the current 1.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 2.5 per cent of the GDP. “If we do not increase expenditure, we cannot expect any significant results.”

Dr. Ahluwalia warned that Central government funding for metro rail projects may not be forthcoming in the future.

Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa, said States were concerned about the “uncertainties” arising from the impending imposition of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The GST rate, he said, “should be treated as a floor rate, without limiting the autonomy of the States.” He urged for a national consensus on uniform labour legislation.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy welcomed the consultative process and urged the Commission to increase allocations for the States hit by natural calamities.

Kerala was represented at the meeting by K.C. Joseph, Minister for Rural Development, Planning and Culture.

Senior officials of the Planning Commission participated in the meeting.

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