sensible use of water

·         Groundwater use is overexploited in PJB, HR, RJ and Delhi

·         In this region ground water level reduces by 4 cm every year

·         Over 90% of ground water is used for agriculture

·         This unfettered use of ground water has led to unsustainable agriculture like growing of paddy even in rain starved areas

Cause

·         Free or subsidised power

·         Free ground water use

WAY AHEAD

·         Water is a state subject

o   it is critical for ensuring nation’s food security

o   hence it should be brought under concurrent list

·         Electricity should not be given free

o   A cess should be levied one lectricity used for drawing ground water for famring purposes

o   Ban free or subsidised power

§  Free power has led to loss of 35% of power and 1% of GDP