(a) whether the Government is considering to maintain a strategic reserve of water resources
to provide safe drinking water keeping in view the future demand of rising population;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has communicated or is in the process to issue an advisory to
the State Governments in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES & MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) & (b) The National Water Policy 2002 stipulates that adequate safe drinking water
facilities should be provided to the entire population both in urban and rural areas. Irrigation
and multi-purpose projects should invariably include a drinking water component, wherever there
is no alternative source of drinking water. Drinking water needs of human beings and animals
should be the first charge on any available water.
(c) & (d) The National Water Policy, 2002, inter alia, asks all State Governments to
formulate State Water Policy backed with an operational action plan to achieve the desired
objectives.