Water crisis finds an echo in Rajya Sabha

MPs urge Centre to find a solution

The issue of the drinking water crisis in various parts of the country was raised by several members in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

During Zero Hour, Satyanarayan Jatiya of the BJP said the water shortage had become a major problem in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

Permanent solution

Mr. Jatiya urged the government to come up with a permanent solution, and suggested that the five major river-linking projects be implemented to maximise water use for drinking and irrigation.

His party colleague Ashok Bajpai seconded him, citing a NITI Aayog report on the impending water crisis in the country.

Saroj Pandey, another BJP member, called for sensitising the people to the need for harvesting rainwater to recharge the groundwater table.

Rewati Raman Singh of the Samajwadi Party also urged the government to intervene immediately.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu said he was willing to allow a discussion on the issue if notice was given after consultations.