The Prime Minister has called for judicious management of limited water resources. Addressing the 6th meeting of National Water Resources Council in New Delhi today, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that lack of water could become the limiting factor to social and economic growth in future.

He said, climate change could further aggravate the distortions in water availability in the country. Rapid economic growth and urbanisation are also widening the demand-supply gap and worsening water availability.

Stating that planning for judicious use of water and distribution be done with a national perspective, Dr. Singh stressed the need for rising above political, ideological and regional differences for a holistic approach to water management.

He said there is a need to take steps to minimise misuse of groundwater by regulating the use of electricity for its extraction. He also stressed the need to move towards transparent and participatory mechanisms of pricing of water by the primary stakeholders themselves.

Referring to suggestions for a national legal framework of general principles on water management, the Prime Minister said, it would pave the way for essential legislation on water governance in every state. He said the framework will be a statement of general principles on water use and the Centre does not intend to encroach in any manner upon the rights of the states.

Speaking on the ocassion, Water Resources minister Harish Rawat said, access to safe water for drinking and other domestic needs continues to be a problem in many parts of the country. He said that water governance issues need to be addressed adequately to increase the availability of water.

Our correspondent reports, the Council meeting attended by Chief ministers and irrigation ministers of the States will discuss draft National Water Policy 2012 which proposes a framework for creation of laws and institutions and a plan of action with a national perspective.