‘In state,managing water resources a big challenge’

He explained that water needs to be managed in such a way that it is available to people,for agriculture,industries and so on.

“How we recharge natural water systems is also very important and that is why we are talking about the wetland atlas released today at ISRO,” he said.

As for the “coastal challenge”,the minister said India has had a bad history of preserving and conserving marine biodiversity.

“We have paid attention to forests,but we have neglected marine biodiversity,” he said,adding that,this is the reason why marine biodiversity institute is being set up in Jamnagar.

“From the climate change point of view also,we need to realise that marine biodiversity absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” he said.

As for the chemical industry and pollution,the minister admitted that pollution seems to be continuing “in spite of all the efforts over the years”.

“This pollution is affecting public health and causing contamination,” he said,adding that the Ministry and the state have

earmarked about Rs 200 crore for chemical remediation efforts in Vapi and another

Rs 150 crore for the same in Ankleshwar.

The chemical remediation plans

would chiefly address volatile organic

compounds that are harmful to human beings and can cause a number of diseases,including cancer.