Question : ROLE OF THE STATE IN WATER SECTOR

(a) whether the World bank had recommended that the role of the Indian State must change from that of builder and controller to creator of an enabling environment and facilitator of the actions of water users, large and small and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the aforesaid proposal could mean sharp rises in the cost of water for both rural and urban users and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Central Government plans to abolish all forms of water subsidies to the agricultural and domestic sectors and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether there is also a proposal to set up a permanent tribunal at the Centre for expeditious resolution of inter-state water disputes and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether it is also true that a cleanup can make a lot more of India`s water bodies and groundwater available for use by people and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES & MINORITY AFFAIRS ( SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) The World Bank in its report “India’s Water Economy: Bracing for a Turbulent Future” had recommended that the role of Indian Water State must change from that of a builder and controller to creator of an enabling environment and facilitator of the actions of the water users, large and small.

(b) No, Madam.

(c) Providing subsidies on water supplied to the agricultural and domestic sectors is within the purview of the State Governments.

(d) The Draft National Water Policy (2012) has recommended setting up of a permanent Water Dispute Tribunal to resolve the inter-State water disputes expeditiously in an equitable manner.

(e) Cleaning up and improving water quality of water bodies and ground water would increase water available for use.