Sir,
I am referring to the article “Depleting underground water” published in this paper on 16th July wherein the author has raised very sensitive issues on the subject. On 18th of July, there is a reference to this article by a citizen indicating the problem in Kathua. The issues are brought to notice of public and Government through the columns of your paper, but there appears no reaction either from the public representatives of the area and the Government machinery connected with these problems.
Hydrogeology appears to be a new approach to the problem-the author has projected that is being pursued in different areas of the country. Sikkim is the first State to adopt this approach and bagged prize for recharging the spring shed belt. This resulted in increase in water discharge over 50 percent in one go. In our State this is being attempted in Leh.
I would draw the attention of the political representatives of the areas concerned, especially the Kandi belt and the local administration to view it and seek help of the concerned agencies. The Non Government Organisations of the Kandi Belt have a great role for community involvement. This approach was adopted in Maharashtra where the NGOs successfully converted the drought prone areas into green belt. Instead of Government jobs, they started income generating units that are agro-based.
Yours etc….
V.K. Katal
General Secretary
All J&K NGO Federation
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