Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will start a certificate programme in water harvesting from this academic session to train people in techniques of water harvesting, a university press release said Thursday.

"To train people in handling the acute problem of water crisis particularly in urban areas, the varsity is offering a six-month certificate programme in water harvesting," said Sanjeev Pandey, coordinator of the programme.

The main objective of the programme is to sensitise and educate learners on augmentation and utilisation of water resources and to impart necessary skills and expertise to understand water harvesting techniques.

"It will generate mass awareness and dissemination of skills through trained human resources," he added.

The course will cost Rs. 1,600 and is open to anyone who has passed tenth standard.