Government may restrict river, ground water usage: Uma Bharti

Union Minister Uma Bharti said on Monday if required, the government may consider bringing a legislation to restrict the usage of river water and ground water for drinking purpose only.

She said while river water and ground water could be used for drinking only, the treated and rainwater could be used for other purposes.

Bharti, the water resources, river development and Ganga rejuventation minister, stated this as she inspected 12 major drains falling into the Ganga rfiver near Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.

"I will visit drains falling into Ganga, Yamuna and their tributaries four days in a week to expedite the Ganga conservation plan," Bharti told media persons here.

State governments would be consulted before bringing this legislation, the union minister added.

Bharti also said it would be her endeavour to complete most of the major tasks related to Ganga conservation in the next four years.