Bram Shanker Jimpa: Water supply and sanitation minister Bram Shanker Jimpa on Friday said Punjab government will soon forge a strategic partnership with Israel for developing a better water management system in the state. For this he said the government would work on making effective use of Israeli technology.
Lior Asaf, water attache at the Israeli Embassy, said Israel has developed technologies that enable reuse of 90% of treated wastewater.
Depleting groundwater levels
Jimpa said that the state government has been concerned about the depleting groundwater levels in Punjab, and was making efforts to improve the water quality of chappars (ponds) in rural areas.
Jimpa praised Israel for supporting India in addressing challenges related to wastewater.
In a statement, Jimpa said that the depleting groundwater level in the state was a serious cause for concern and said ground water availability in villages had significantly gone down during the last 35-40 years.
The minister said that rainwater harvesting is one of the most important aspects of groundwater recharge, adding that the Punjab government has made it mandatory for all buildings in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Lior Asaf said almost half of Israel’s current water sources came from desalinated, recycled and recharged water. Till the 1980s, the country was dependent on water from natural sources only, he said.
Israel reuses 90% of treated wastewater
“Israel has developed technologies that enable reuse of 90 per cent of treated wastewater. Every STP in Israel is developed close to agricultural lands and is connected to irrigation,” Asaf is quoted as saying by the statement.
“Solutions required in India are similar to the solutions developed by Israel. Community engagement, capacity building of stakeholders, private sector participation plays key role in successfully addressing challenges around water quality, sanitation and groundwater recharge,” Asaf added.
Neeraj Gahlwat, Senior Water Resources Specialists, International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), Embassy of Israel and Dr Amit Dhir, Professor, Thapar University were also present on the occasion, the statement said.
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