Government may consider law to restrict use of river, ground water for drinking: Uma Bharti

NEW DELHI: Government may consider bringing in a legislation to restrict usage of river and ground water for drinking purpose while treated and rainwater could be used for other purposes, Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti today said.

Speaking to mediapersons while inspecting 12 major drains falling into river Ganga near Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand today, she said that it will be her endeavour to finish most of the major tasks related to Ganga conservation in next four years, a press release here said.

"I will visit drains falling into the Ganga, the Yamuna and its tributaries four days in a week to expedite the Ganga conservation plan," she said, the release added.

She said, if required, government may consider bringing a legislation to restrict usage of river water and groundwater for drinking purpose only, while treated and rain water may be used for other purposes.

State governments will be consulted before bringing this legislation, the Minister added.