Water austerity measures taken in Gujarat

Water metering is a much talked about topic in the state but it seems too far away from reality. However, the state government has taken a major step in that direction recently. The chief minister's office has ordered all the municipalities and district panchayats to start water accounting.

Orders in this regard are also expected to be issued soon to the seven municipal corporations and UDA (urban development authorities) in the state. Highly placed sources in the state government said, "considering the serious situation of demand-supply scenario of water in the state, government has decided to introduce water accounting.''

BN Navalavala, advisor to the chief minister when asked said that, "considering the present situation and future needs, all the municipalities and other local bodies except seven municipal corporations have been ordered to give 10 days average accounting report of their drinking and industrial water usage through the Narmada canal and supply from the various dams like Ukai, Aaji etc., which are mainly meant for irrigation. The water supply & sewage board will co-ordinate this exercise as it is the main water supply body of the state. At present there is no clear data available on the actual water supply and water usage pattern as all the local bodies manage on their own.''

Navalavala further said that, "the purpose of introducing water accounting is to move towards more rational use of water resources. All local bodies will have to give water accounting break-up which will greatly help the government in estimating needs and in planning.''  When asked whether the government is planning to introduce water meters, he said, "certainly sooner or latter we will have to do it. Water accounting is the first step in that direction.''