Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann thanked farmers for accepting the ban and staying away from the water-guzzling paddy variety Pusa-44. But convincing them about the larger public good is a work-in-progress.
Increasing population, urbanisation and concretisation cited as reasons for depletion in cities. Delhi, Jaipur & Hyderabad among cities severely affected by water contamination.
According to latest Central Ground Water Board report, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan fall in 'over-exploited' range, while Delhi is in 'critical' range. Agriculture biggest consumer.
In draft guidelines to regulate groundwater, Modi govt has advised states to bring in suitable water pricing policy and review free or subsidised electricity to agriculture sector.
Panel set up by NGT in August to suggest measures to rein in illegal groundwater extraction is yet to come up with its report. Deadline ends this month.
New Delhi is interested in firming up bilateral agreements for increased trade, mobility, upgrade of Su-30 MKI fighters and the increased range of BrahMos supersonic missiles.
The India-South Africa series-defining fact is the catastrophic decline of Indian red ball cricket where a visiting team can mock us with the 'grovel' word.
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