Question : WATER POLICY

(a) whether the Government is monitoring the State Water Policies being formulated by various States in accordance with the National Water Policy, 2012;

(b) if so, the State-wise details of status of framing the policy;

(c) the States in which authorities have been set up for the implementation of National Water Policy, 2012;

(d) the guidelines issued under the same for bringing about balance between the course of river and the command area; and

(e) whether the quantum of soil erosion has increased due to felling of trees and deforestation in embankment and coastal areas and if so, the action taken thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a) Yes, Madam. Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has been impressing upon the States / Union Territories (UTs) to formulate State Water Policies in line with the National Water Policy, 2012 and has been pursuing the same during different Conferences / Meetings with the States/UTs.

(b) A statement indicating the details of States / UTs who have formulated / are in the process of formulation of State Water Policies is Annexed.

(c) The Water Resources / Irrigation Departments in States/ UTs are responsible for implementing the National Water Policy in the State / UT.

(d) The command area is planned in accordance with the water availability, topography, agro-climatic conditions in the region to be in balance with the course of the river.

(e) A vast portion of Indian coastline is facing constant erosion, including soil erosion due to various reasons, natural as well as man-made i.e. felling of trees, defore- station etc. Coastal protection measures are undertaken by the concerned State Governments and are supported by the Central Government under different schemes / programmes. The Central Government has also issued the Coastal Regu- lation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011 inter-alia to conserve and protect coastal stretches.