No proposal for privatisation of water resources: Government

NEW DELHI: The government today said there was no proposal for privatisation of water resources, but would encourage public-private partnership (PPP) mode for effective utilisation of the scarce natural resource.

"Privatisation is not being done and it cannot be done," Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour and added that a river cannot be given to a private party.

In the proposed new water policy, the Centre would emphasis that states should adopt PPP mode to ensure effective use of water available.

"PPP doesn't mean privatisation of water sector," he said, adding the intention is to use the private resources for public purpose.

Bansal said the PPP mode for distribution is being effectively used in several parts of the country, including Salt Lake ( Kolkata), Mysore, Hubli, Latur, Haldia and Kolapur.

Though water is a state subject, the proposed policy would act as guideline for state governments to follow, he said.