Pune: Dr. Medha Kulkarni Raises Question On ‘Groundwater Conservation and Mula-Mutha River Rejuvenation Efforts’ in Rajya Sabha
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 30th July 2024: In a recent Rajya Sabha session, MP Dr. Medha Kulkarni raised critical concerns about the conservation of groundwater and the rejuvenation of the Mula-Mutha River. Highlighting the severe water crisis in Pune and other major cities, she pointed out the alarming decline in groundwater levels and the increasing number of dry borewells.
Dr. Kulkarni noted that many urban areas are facing significant challenges in meeting their daily water requirements due to insufficient rainwater harvesting and rising population pressure. These issues have led to substantial difficulties for residents in securing adequate water supplies.
Responding to her concerns, Minister of Water Resources, C. R. Patil, stated, “Water management is primarily a state responsibility, and state governments must take steps to conserve, enhance, and efficiently manage water resources. The central government supports these efforts by providing technical and financial assistance through various schemes and programs.”
One of these initiatives is the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015-16, which aims to improve water availability in agricultural fields and boost water resources. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2018, the Government of India announced a special financial assistance package to complete 83 minor irrigation projects and the High Am Irrigation Project in the drought-prone districts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, and other parts of Maharashtra by 2022. As part of this special package, irrigation works covering 1.47 lakh hectares were executed in Maharashtra in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Dr. Kulkarni also urged the implementation of a rainwater harvesting policy to alleviate water scarcity issues.
Regarding the Mula-Mutha river rejuvenation project, Dr. Kulkarni mentioned that this year’s budget has allocated ₹690 crore for the project. She further requested information from the central government on the utilization of the previous ₹990 crore allocated for various works under this initiative.
