NEW DELHI: The National Water Resources Council (NWRC) on Friday approved the new National Water Policy in its meeting here after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured states that the Centre did not intend to encroach upon the constitutional rights or to centralize the regulation over water resources.
The new policy envisages a National Framework law for water resources that will set general principles of water management under which the Centre, states and local authorities would be required to regulate both surface and groundwater.
The policy sets the tone for creating a tariff mechanism for all kind of water uses in the country, a politically-sensitive move if it is implemented. It also requires a change in existing laws to turn groundwater into a community resource, and not a private right as it currently exists.
"The central government, I repeat, does not wish to encroach, in any manner, upon the constitutionally guaranteed rights of states or to centralize water management," the PM said.
The strong statements, demands and sentiments expressed at the meeting made it abundant that an issue that has most often remained on political backburners — save perhaps when it comes to riparian rights of states — is set to boil over into a serious governance concern.
The policy was adopted by the Council meeting attended by several CMs and state water resource ministers who also put forth their concerns. The policy pushes for differential pricing of water — the need for which was flagged earlier in the day by Union water resources minister Harish Rawat.
He also warned that India would need around 450 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water storage in the country by 2050 to meet the requirements of various sectors. Now, India has only 253 BCM storage capacity.
The Centre will amend the policy, tweaking it to address the worries expressed by state governments. "The policy will not be re-drafted. Some modifications will be made to address the states' concerns," Rawat said after the meeting.
The policy requires the state governments to set up a Water Regulatory Authority (WRA), which aided by technical experts, would subsequently impose and regulate water tariff charges.
The policy could lead to dramatic changes in the way groundwater resources are controlled. TOI had reported earlier on the move to change existing norms and do away with private ownership of groundwater which allows individuals to dig a well almost at will and draw out unregulated levels of water. The new policy seeks for these laws and regulations to be altered suitably.
Times View
It is about time we had a water policy that takes a comprehensive view of how to utilise this precious natural resource. The importance of efficiently using water has been repeatedly underscored by several global experts who have predicted that if ever there is another World War it is likely to be a fight over water resources. For far too long, we have treated it as if it were a limitless resource. That has to stop. The policy must, therefore, focus on how ensure maximum efficiency in water utilisation. At the same time, it must ensure that there is an equitable distribution of water. Meeting both goals would require a combination of market and non-market driven incentives. Getting that combination right is the key.
Centre won’t encroach upon states' rights on water, PM says
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Centre won’t encroach upon states' rights on water, PM says
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Centre won’t encroach upon states' rights on water, PM says
