DH News Service, Shrinivaspur: Rejuvenation of ponds and lakes should be given top priority in order to improve the underground water table. New ponds and tanks should be constructed where ever rainwater can easily sink into the ground, suggested education expert M Shriramareddy. Speaking to media persons here on Monday, he said, Gujarat government was the right example, in this regard. The new ponds and tanks constructed in that State and also, the projects meant for ensuring the sinking of rainwater into the ground, were all fruitful. If effective measures are not taken to increase the groundwater levels in the State, the day will not be far when, even water will also be rationed, Mr Shriramareddy warned. Large quantities of rainwater flows, without being put to proper use. There was a lack of serious concern to utilise the rainwater systematically. The agricultural community should pay their attention in this regard. If the rainwater that flows in the fields are stopped, it can be put to proper use for cultivating crops and also for increasing the ground water levels. There was a need to enlighten the farmers in this regard, he explained. Right now, desiltation of the ponds and tanks were being undertaken just for namesake. The desiltation process is being implemented only in the peripheral regions of the ponds and tanks. This does not help in the rejunevation of the water bodies. Since, all the ponds and tanks in Kolar district are organically inter-connected with one another, the desiltation process should be implemented systematically. If it is implemented haphazardly, these water bodies will be filled with silt again, he added. The system of utilising the dried-up lakes and basin areas for the construction of residences and other developmental activities should be given up. Our elders used to construct villages, where ever water was available. Unfortunately, these days, our political leaders sanction construction of new residential layouts on dried-up lake beds, thus reducing the water resources, Mr Shriramareddy added.