Government ready to deal with any water-related problem: Uma Bharti

Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti on Saturday said the central government was ready to face any water crisis in case this year's monsoon proves to be disappointing.

"Government is ready to face any kind of drought situation (in any part of the country) if monsoon fails," the minister told a press conference here.

She also announced that the fourth India Water Week with a theme of "Water for all: Striving together" will be held here from April 4, with Israel as the partner country and all water-related issues will be discussed.

"We will learn from Israel how to deal with all sorts of water problems. It has many success

stories related to water," she said.

The minister said that many states have been becoming "partner states" in the whole scheme of water conservation and its judicious usage and the central government will pay "incentives" to those of them who will complete water projects within the specified deadline.

The minister also called upon the Congress to help the central government in getting the water projects implemented smoothly in the states it rules.

"I appeal to (Congress president) Sonia Gandhi... we need support from you," she said, calling for the opposition party to be "pro-development".

About the Narendra Modi government's river-linking programme, she said that it was on and she along with other stake holders was working hard to make it a reality.

She also urged people to think about innovative ideas to save and use water judiciously.

Rain water harvesting and other water saving methods and water's judicious use would help us deal with water-related problems, the minister added.