THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(PROF. SANWAR LAL JAT)
(a) The average annual water availability in the country has been assessed as 1869 billion cubic meters (BCM). It has been estimated in the year 2009 by Central Water Commission (CWC) that about 450 BCM of surface water is being utilized for various purposes. Further, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has assessed in the year 2011 that about 245 BCM of ground water is being utilized for various purposes. The rest of the water could be considered to be flowing down to sea.
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Several steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management to ensure sustainability of water resources are undertaken by the respective State Governments. In order to
supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Central Government provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments through various schemes and programmes namely “Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)”, “Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies” (RRR) etc.
The Central Government has also formulated a National Perspective Plan for water resources development which envisages transfer of water from surplus basins to water deficit basins.
(b) The National Water Policy, 2012 was adopted by the National Water Resources Council (NWRC) headed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, with Chief Ministers of all States as Members, at its Meeting held on 28th December, 2012. The Policy has made several recommendations for conservation and efficient management of water resources. The salient features of the National Water Policy, 2012 are annexed.
(c) The National Water Policy, 2012 has inter-alia recommended that pricing of water should ensure its efficient use and reward conservation. Equitable access to water for all and its fair pricing, for drinking and other uses such as sanitation, agricultural and industrial, should be arrived at through independent statutory Water Regulatory Authority, set up by each State, after wide ranging consultation with all stakeholders. Copies of NWP, 2012 have been forwarded to the concerned Ministries/Departments of the Central Government and all State Governments/UTs for necessary action.
(d) No, Madam.
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Annexure
(Annexure referred to in reply to part (b) of the Lok SabhaUnstarred Question No. 2171 to be answered on 10.03.2016 regarding “Management of Water Resources”)
SALIENT FEATURES OF DRAFT NATIONAL WATER FRAMEWORK BILL
(1) The draft National Water Framework Bill proposes to establish an umbrella statement of general principles governing the exercise of legislative and/or executive (or devolved) powers by the Centre, the States and the local governing bodies, which should lead the way for essential legislation on water governance in every State of the Union and devolution of necessary authority to the lower tiers of government to deal with the local water situation.
(2) It proposes eighteen Basic Principles for Water Management to bring different State legal interventions within a framework of governing principles and alignment of existing legislations both at the Central as well as State level to conform to the principles and provisions of this Bill.
(3) It proposes that every individual should have a right to a minimum quantity of potable water (not less than 25 litres per capita per day) for essential health and hygiene and within easy reach of the household, which may be provided free of cost to eligible households, being part of pre-emptive need.
(4) It proposes establishment of an independent statutory Water Regulatory Authority by every State for ensuring equitable access to water for all and its fair pricing on volumetric basis, for drinking and other uses such as sanitation, agricultural and industrial.
(5) It proposes that all water resources projects conform to the River Basin Master Plan to be prepared, applicable efficiency benchmarks and take into account all social and environmental aspects in addition to techno-economic considerations.
(6) It proposes that the groundwater be protected, conserved and regulated through appropriate laws and by adequate and efficient measures using precautionary approach, with active participation of Community Based Institutions.
(7) It proposes conformance to the Service Level Benchmarks for water supply, sanitation, solid waste management and storm water drainage, as may be prescribed.
(8) It proposes that Industries either withdraw only the make up water or have an obligation to return treated effluent to a specified standard back to the hydrologic system and to file annual ‘Water returns’.
(9) It proposes that the appropriate Government take all possible measures to synergise and integrate different development schemes including schemes for water conservation, sanitation and improvement of water quality at Panchayat or Municipality level, as the case may be, and further at sub basin and basin level.
(10) It proposes that a High Powered Committee be set up at the Centre and in each State for coordination and policy support mechanism between different agencies dealing with water etc.
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