Date:19/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/19/stories/2006011901430200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Draft Bill on groundwater ready

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Minister for Water Resources and Transport Mallikarjuna Kharge said here on Wednesday that a law to regulate extraction of groundwater in the State is on the anvil to conserve precious groundwater.

Mr. Kharge told presspersons on the sidelines of an all India seminar on the "Role of groundwater in national economy" that the Law Department is vetting the draft legislation and it will be brought before the legislature soon for ratification. The seminar was organised by the All India Central Ground Water Board Officers' Association.

The Minister said while rainwater harvesting has been made compulsory for all new buildings within Bangalore city limits, the same rules will be extended to all other urban local bodies. Mr. Kharge said 22 taluks have come under "overexploited" category.