File photo of Uma Bharati.
Union Minister Uma Bharati today called for a nationwide movement for conservation of water, saying it is the need of the hour to move forward in a dynamic way.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day 'Regional Convention of Water Users Associations (WUAs) Presidents' at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Bharati said, "Water revolution (kranti) is the need of the hour in order to move forward in a dynamic way."
"Welfare of the society is the responsibility of the government but public also owes equal responsibility," she said, while urging the people to keep the Indian rivers and conserved water clean.
There is a need to promote this movement in the Indian villages also, she said.
Remarking that Israel has set-up an excellent example in fruit and vegetable production with less water, she said many Indian villagers also need to be lauded for adopting innovative ways to save water.
She cited successful examples of food production and water conservation in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.
Expressing concern over the water issues of the 'dark zones' of Punjab, she called upon the State Government to send a proposal for the same.
The Centre would ensure full support to Punjab in addressing their water issues, she said.