Teams to assess situation in drought-hit areas

The government has directed the Central Water Commission and the Central Ground Water Board to send technical teams of their officers for on-the-spot checks of the water situation in drought-affected areas.

The areas would be selected based on water stress indicators and in consultation with states. The teams would also incorporate one officer from the state water resources department concerned, a statement said.

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The teams would analyse the problems and the causes leading to drought situations, identify water-resource-management challenges, gaps in water information and recharge plans, long-term solutions and suggest measures for protection, management and restoration of water bodies.

The teams would also prepare a work plan for a prolonged strategy.

The reports would be summited within a fortnight to the CWC chairman and the CGWB chairman, who would submit these to the ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation with comments.