As water is a common heritage having economic value, the responsibility for its regulated use and conservation is vested with every citizen and community. The ownership of water resides with the State as a publicly owned resource with entitlement for individuals, communities and service providers to use water without owning it. In order to conserve and manage water, micro-watershed have been considered as a basic unit and river basin, as an integrated unit of micro-watersheds, shall define water rights and regulate water use.This will facilitate a resource-based approach, user participation and a sustainable and equitable water resource management. A policy framework shall be adopted to create an enabling environment for equitable, sustainable and productive management of water resources for ensuring public health, promoting growth and minimizing regional imbalance. Protection of water bodies to sustain traditional fishing activities will receive a high priority. Appropriate measures for protection and development of water bodies will be adopted with a view to augmenting fish stocks and ensuring livelihood security to the fishing community. Participation of the stake holders, departments and agencies engaged in this sector will be ensured in these efforts. Government shall prioritize the availability of water to vulnerable groups and cake steps for the sustainable management and development of each river basin. With a view to improving efficiency and productivity, high priority shall be given for promoting and supporting the development, adaptation and dissemination of new and appropriate technologies in water resource management. The crucial role that women play in the water resources sector shall be recognized. Active involvement of women In the management of projects and protection of resources shall be ensured. Prevention of salt water intrusion into drinking water sources as well as low-lying cultivable lands will receive adequate attention. Vulnerable areas will be mapped and prioritized for taking up remedial measures. The State shall follow the following priority for allocating water among the various categories of users. Such a prioritization will be primarily based on the integrity of Ecosystem and will also take into consideration the physical, environmental and social background of the state: Domestic use; Agricultural use; Power generation; Agro-based industrial use; and Industrial and commercial use. The Dam Safety Authority of the State shall be equipped and strengthened for organizing scientific studies pertaining co dam safety, dam break analysis, disaster management and emergency preparedness planning etc. Safety monitoring as well as safety aspects of the structures shall be made transparent. In order to have periodical evaluation of resource sustainability and assess the corrective measures required, if any, water audit shall be made compulsory for all the projects. Disaster management plans shall be made essential for major projects. Periodical environmental auditing shall also be made practice for ensuring the system sustainability.
India · 2008-01-01