Preserving the available water is essential by way of using it economically, observed Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Kantharaj.

Speaking at a workshop on “Rural water supply” on the fourth day of the “Bharat Nirman Public Propaganda” here on Tuesday, he said the water level has reached its minimum position even in rural areas too.

The water sources are being spoiled. The glory of tanks that prevailed in the days of kings have gone into history, he regretted.

The purpose of the Central government is to provide about 30-50 lts of pure water to each individual.

A lot of money is being spent to achieve this goal within the next 5-10 years. But the localites, elected representatives and officials need to make the best use of these grants, he noted.

S V Srikanthasharma of Watershed Development Department explained through demonstrations that how watershed areas have been developed by the schemes of the department.

Watershed development scheme, drought-affected area development, integrated drought-affected area development, Western Ghats development scheme and the like are being implemented with the funds from Central and State governments and participation of the local officials, he informed.

Information branch director M Nagendra Swamy delivered an introductory address. Over 500 anganwadi workers took part in the programme.