The Center has urged the state governments to frame strict legislation to regulate the use of ground water resources. Speaking at a function in New Delhi on Saturday, Minister of State for Rural Development, Ms Agatha Sangma said that equitable and judicial use of groundwater is necessary as it provides 80 per cent of the drinking water. The Minister said that concerted action is needed on all fronts including agriculture, urban planning, and industrial development to safeguard the sustainable supply of safe drinking water. The Minister advised the Industry to plan social infrastructure improvement in coordination with the Panchayats and the local administrators.<br/>The Minister urged private sector to come up with cost effective material for components of water supply. Over 90,000 crore rupees have been earmarkerd in the XI Five Year Plan for rural water supply and sanitation. AIR Correspondent reports that despite over 1,00,000 crore rupees investment in rural water supply sector, the reliability of rural drinking water and satisfaction levels are still below the desired levels because of unregulated ground water extraction by industry and agriculture.<br/>