The Hindu Business Line : AP to prepare draft water policy

THE Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has directed the Principal Secretary, Irrigation, Mr S.P. Tucker, to expedite the formulation of draft State Water Policy and submit it by January-end.

According to a press release from the Chief Minister's Office, Dr Reddy on Wednesday reviewed issues related to water resources management along with the Major Irrigation Minister, Mr P. Lakshmaiah, and senior officials of Irrigation and Finance department.

Outlining the agenda for reforms for better water resources management, Mr Tucker said the State should shift its focus from irrigation to water resource governance. If the State would like to be counted as a developed one, its agriculture income should touch Rs 35,000 crore by 2020. He cited the reforms initiated by Karnataka and Maharashtra.

While relieving the water constraint faced by the industry, service and power sectors, the Government would have to double the current allocation for drinking water. Interestingly, the water use for agriculture must decrease by one-third and ease the environmental stress due to over exploitation of ground water.

Citing the observations of Dr M.S. Reddy of CES-Institutional study and Dr K.V. Raju study of Participatory Irrigation Management, it was emphasised the need to streamline the functioning. Dr M.S. Reddy suggested renaming of the Irrigation and Command Area Development Department as Department of Water Resources.

It was also suggested introduction of River Basin Boundaries for better management of water resources, separation of construction and operations and maintenance wings. Dr Raju stressed need to focus on the importance of water users' associations.

In the minor irrigation front, it is proposed to have a five-year plan to add 30 lakh acres for creation of new ayacut of 10 lakh acres, revival of about 10 lakh acres and to stabilise 10 lakh acres of ground water.

The Chief Minister agreed in principle to employ 200 retired senior engineers to strengthen the irrigation department to make up for vacant slots.