TEHRAN – The Iranian Energy Ministry on Sunday unveiled plans on how to allocate ground water for agriculture, drinking, green spaces, protection of environment, and industrial uses to different provinces and plains.

Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian told reporters that one of the most important goals that the government has set for the next five years is to change the current negative water balance to zero, IRNA reported.

The water balance in the country, according to the new plan, should return to its normal status within the next 20 years, he said.

For the surface water, the plan is to consume 55 percent and to keep the rest for environment, lagoons and lakes, he explained.

Chitchian also said that the government has a particular view towards water, adding that over the last two years the High Water Council has held 12 sessions.

The council is attended by the ministers of agriculture, energy, mines and industry, managers of the Management and Planning Organization and Department of Environment. The sessions are headed by the president.