Hyderabad : Scientists, environmental activists and students presented their ideas on ways to conserve the water bodies in the country at the national seminar that concluded at St Pious Women's College here on Sunday. They were unanimous in observing that community participation is essential in saving the wetlands, lakes and rivers from extinction and in reviving the dying ones. Speaking at the valedictory of the seminar, which was titled 'Conservation of Water Bodies', eminent environmentalist K Purushottam Reddy appreciated the Telangana government's 'Mission Kakatiya' programme.
"The revivals of lakes and tanks in the State will help meet the drinking and irrigation needs of lakhs of people,” he said. The green activist appealed to the State government to ensure that the industries which release their effluents into lakes and rivers pay for the pollution they are causing. "The 'polluter pays' principle has been long established by the Supreme Court.