Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that alternate technology is the need of the hour for mega water conveyance systems in the country. Gadkari was inaugurating an international workshop on the “Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance System” in New Delhi on Friday.

Inaugurated an International Workshop on “Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems” organised by @mowrrdgr at New Delhi 1/2 pic.twitter.com/oPKHvnHPiE

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 9, 2018

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The minister stressed the need for developing water grids in the country on the lines of power grid and road networks.

Gadkari said that we do not have shortage of water in the country but lack proper planning and management of water resources.

He said 25% to 30% of agricultural workforce in the country migrates from rural to urban areas only due to problems of irrigation and resultant difficulties related to agricultural.

Conveyance of water through pipes instead of canals is now gaining ground as it requires lesser land, lesser loss of water due to theft and evaporation & contamination can also be greatly reduced, ensuring Efficient, Cost-effective, Environment friendly water Transfer system 2/2 pic.twitter.com/oy5bsBUndG

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 9, 2018

Referring to the importance of efficient use of water resources through drip irrigation, Gadkari cited the example of Madhya Pradesh which has achieved agricultural growth of 23% as against the national average of four per cent by promoting drip irrigation.

On projects regarding river connectivity in the country, Gadkari said “The challenge is to find suitable cost effective, environment friendly technology for efficient water transfer without compromising the quality”.

The day long workshop has been organized by WAPCOS and National Water Development Agency jointly under the aegis of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

The workshop is being attended by key stake holders like manufacturing companies, organizations involved in water asset management, engineering specialists, water resources departments of Central and State Governments and private companies and experts from USA, Brazil, Italy, China and South Africa Indian and foreign experts will present papers at the workshop.