New water programme likely in Ambedkar’s name: Uma Bharti

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) In continued effort to highlight B.R. Ambedkar's legacy, the union water resources ministry is all set to announce launch of a programme in the name of the country's famous constitution-maker.

Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said here on Sunday a formal announcement about the new water programme would be made at the meeting of all water commissions on Tuesday.

She said while the Centre was keeping an eye on the drought and drought-like situation in various parts of the country, her ministry has asked states to file reports on their water deficiency and updated water data.

"All states have been asked to file report on water shortage. We will then examine the issues involved and prepare a roadmap. The states have to draw out their priorities to improve the situation," she said on the sidelines of a function on the Ganga River Basin Management and Studies.

Uma Bharti said the Centre has been tackling the problem of drought well.

As a part of 125th birth anniversary celebrations of B.R. Ambedkar, the Central Water Commission is organising a national seminar on Tuesday on multi-purpose development of water resources and present challenges to highlight his contribution in water sector.

Officials from the Centrfal Water Commission, eminent experts from water resources sector such as Mihir Shah, former Planning Commission member, and experts from the Indian Council of Social Science Research and Centre for the Study of Regional Development of the Jawaharlal Nehru University are expected to attend the seminar.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest during the plenary Session of the seminar while Uma Bharti will preside over the function.

Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan is also likely to attend the function, sources said.