Question : NATIONAL WATER POLICY .

(a) whether the Government have formulated a revised National Water Policy;

(b) if so, the salient features thereof;

(c) whether the views of all State Governments have been obtained while formulating the new water policy;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

(SMT. BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)

(a) Yes Sir.

(b) The salient features of the Draft Revised National Water Policy are as follows:

(1) Laying greater emphasis on the improvement of the
performance of the existing water resources facilities.
(2) Formulation of guidelines for water allocation amongst
the basin States keeping in view the national perspective on
the water resources availability.
(3) Review and amendment of the Inter-State Water Disputes
Act of 1956 for timely adjudication for Water Dispute
referred to the Tribunal.
(4) Establishment of appropriate River Basin Organisations
with statutory powers for the planning, development and
management for a river basin as a whole or sub-basins, where
necessary.
(5) Development of a standardized national information
system for promoting free exchange of data among the various
agencies through a suitable legislation.
(6) Formulation of a national policy on resettlement and
rehabilitation so that the project-affected persons share
the benefits through proper rehabilitation.
(7) Enactment of a dam safety legislation to ensure proper
inspection, maintenance and surveillance of existing dams.
(8) Ensuring institutional arrangements for maintenance of
water resources schemes and involving Water Users
Associations in the operation, maintenance and the
management of water infrastructures.
(9) Fixing of Water charges for various uses in such a way
that they cover at least the operation and maintenance costs
with well targeted subsidy.
(10) Maintaining minimum flows in the perennial streams and
treatment of effluents to acceptable levels land standards
before discharging into rivers for maintaining ecology.
(11) Encouraging Non-conventional methods for utilisation of
water such as through inter-basin transfers, artificial
recharge of ground water, desalination of brackish or
seawater, rain water harvesting and watershed management.