Haryana govt concerned over depleting water table

A number of measures have been taken for checking the over-exploitation of ground water in Haryana, the state government informed the Assembly today.
Expressing concern over the fast depleting water table in the state, Agriculture Minister Paramvir Singh said efforts are being made for the conservation of the precious resource.
Replying to calling attention motion moved by Congress MLA Sampat Singh on the concluding day of the budget session, Paramvir said that measures have been taken by various departments for checking the over-exploitation of ground water in Haryana.
He said that the Haryana State Preservation of Sub Soil Water Act, 2009 had been enacted which prohibits sowing of paddy before May 15 and transplanting of paddy before June 15.

"This Act has been quite successful in checking the exploitation of ground water especially in (water guzzling) paddy growing areas," he said.
He informed the House that a model bill to regulate, manage and control ground water and its development in the state is under consideration.
The bill, named Haryana State Ground Water Management and Regulation Act, will be put up before the government for further action for its enactment.