The Hindu Business Line : ‘Rainwater harvesting better solution for drought’

Mangalore, Sept.22 There is a need to think of sustainable projects such as rainwater harvesting to tackle the water problem in drought-affected regions rather than implementing projects such as river diversion, according to Mr Shree Padre, an expert in rainwater harvesting.

This suggestion came at a time when there is a cry from a section of politicians in the State to divert west-flowing Nethravathi River to the east to supply water to the drought-affected districts in central Karnataka.

Delivering the keynote address at a meet to oppose the diversion of Nethravathi River, organised by various non-governmental organisations here, he said mega plans such as the diversion of west-flowing rivers to eastern parts of the State would lead to soil erosion and de-forestation in the Western Ghat region of the State. (The Nethravathi originates in the Western Ghat region of Karnataka.)

“Catch rain where it falls” should be the objective to tackle water scarcity in the drought-affected districts than implementing mega projects worth several thousand crores.

Quoting the examples of Koppal and Gadag districts where farmers harvest crops in spite of drought, he said people in that region have come out with drought-proof measures. Such initiatives should be identified and encouraged.

Rajasthan is a good example for rainwater harvesting, which helped in rejuvenating rivers in the drought-affected regions in that State.

Mr Padre also gave some examples of modern irrigation projects in various parts of the country that brought imbalance in the eco-system in that region.

‘Community will’ is more important than ‘political will’ to take up activities such as rainwater harvesting. These programmes can be successful only if there is awareness among the public, he added.

More Stories on : Water | Natural Calamities | Karnataka

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