(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a National Irrigation Development Authority (NIDA) and a National Water Commission (NWC);
(b) if so, the salient features thereof along with their terms of reference; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to overhaul and regulate the entire water
distribution system and determine norms for maximum usage of water for various activities including norms for effluent treatment and limits on extraction from local water sources?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) The Central Government has no proposal at present to set up a National Irrigation
Development Authority and a National Water Commission.
(b) Does not arise in view of reply to part (a) above.
(c) Overhaul and regulation of the water distribution system are matters within the
jurisdiction of the State Governments. However, the National Water Policy (2002),
adopted by the National Water Resources Council, stipulates policy recommendations
for optimum development and management of water resources in the country. The draft
National Water Policy (2012) also recommends evolution of a system of benchmarks,
water footprints and maximizing efficiency of water usage for various activities.
Besides, the Central Government has also circulated a model Bill for regulation and
control of ground water development for appropriate enactment by the State Governments.
Norms of effluent treatment are determined by Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
Limiting extraction from local water resources is within the competence of the State
Governments.