Need holistic perspective to resolve water disputes: PM

Viewing water management as a major challenge amid inter-state disputes, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said a national water framework law would be in place soon.
"I do agree that we have a national problem in the distribution of water of the inter-state rivers and I hope that the country would recognise the great importance of dealing with this problem in a holistic perspective," Singh said.
He was replying on the debate on the motion of thanks on the President's Address.
Referring to construction of check dams, Singh said the government has already decided to modify the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme to make it more effective.

Besides, the Watershed Development Programme would be expanded during the 12th Five Year Plan.
"Apart from agriculture, urban and industrial water demand also needs to be managed more efficiently. Our ground water resources need to be better preserved. We will be bringing these proposals on a new ground water law and a national water framework law very shortly," Singh said.