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PM unveils new water conservation policy to tackle drought

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced a slew of measures under a new programme called Pradhan Mantri Gramin Jal Samvardhan Yojana for conservation of water to tackle drought situation in the country.

"Along with external threats, the nation is also faced with vagaries of nature. Large parts of the country are facing drought, while in some places there are floods,." the prime minister said while delivering his speech on the occasion of India's Independence Day.

Stating that the government was taking all possible steps to tackle drought, Vajpayee said the country had adequate stocks of foodgrains and no one would be allowed to go hungry.

Prices of essential commodities are under control, he said.

Under the new scheme, the government will provide 100,000 hand pumps in drought hit areas, 100,000 drinking water connections in primary schools, besides developing 100,000 natural water bodies.

"Prices of essential commodities are under check," Vajpayee said contending all efforts will be made in the long term to alleviate the problems of rural masses.

Besides, employment is being provided to the people of rural areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, he said.

"This project is giving employment to rural masses," he said adding the government will shortly announce a package for development of the social sector.

Stating that the country had adequate stocks of foodgrains to meet the domestic requirement, Vajpayee said India has transformed from an import dependent country to an exporter, with Rs 6400 crore (Rs 64 billion) worth of grains exported last year.

He said efforts are being made for harvesting rain-water and conserving water through watershed programmes.

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