China assured India on Brahmaputra River flow: Rawat

China has assured India that it is developing projects on the Tibetan part of Brahmaputra river, which will not affect the river's flow in Indian territory, Union water resources minister Harish Rawat said here today.
The Union Water Resources Ministry has developed an information exchange system with China on water flow between the two countries, Rawat told reporters during his brief stay here to campaign for Congress candidates in Didihat, Pithoragarh, Dharchula and Gangolihat towns for local bodies elections.
"After we are fully acquainted with each other on the issue of international waters, confusion on water use will be defused," the Minister said.

Stressing on the Ministry's initiative on rain water harvesting schemes for the country, Rawat said, "We want to deposit 100 billion cubic meter underground water through these schemes by 2020."
The Union government is constituting an authority to regulate ground water recharge in the country, which will work for water-use efficiency, the Minister said adding, "We want to change the traditional concept of water being available in abundance and save 20 percent of water being used in agriculture, industries and household purposes."
Responding to a question on the combination of Baba Ramdev with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress minister said, the combine will not affect national politics, as people are of secular outlook.

On the issue of state's development after declaration of the Ganga basin as eco-sensitive zone, Rawat said development works will not be affected as an authority will be formed by the Ministry concerned and all essential construction work can be undertaken after taking permission of this authority.
"Moreover, if the state government sends any proposal, Government of India will consider it," the Minister added.