Scarcity of water could hurt prospects of India: Shekhawat

Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Monday said that from being a food deficient nation, India became a a food exporting country, but the scarcity of water could hurt its prospects.

Emphasising on judicious use of water, he said India is one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of water availability.

The minister said that the challenge of providing water to 17 per cent of the world's population, which lives in India, with just 4 per cent of water in the world available with to it, is the next big challenge for the country.

Speaking at the Chhath Ghat, ITO here, Shekhawat said it has achieved the distinction of a food exporting country from being a food deficient nation, but scarcity of water in near future can hurt its prospects.

"India is one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of water availability and population explosion has added more to the problem. Every drop should be saved and conserved and all should make a combined effort for its judicious use