Highlights of India's National Water Policy
The National Water Policy, established in 2012, seeks to address the challenges posed by water scarcity and improve the management of India's water resources. Water is recognized not merely as a resource but as an economic good, critical for achieving food security, livelihoods, and ecological balance. Key recommendations made in the policy include:
- National Water Framework Law: A law is proposed to govern the effective development of inter-State rivers and their valleys.
- Equitable Distribution: The policy prioritizes safe drinking water and sanitation needs, food security, and the livelihoods of farmers, before emphasizing economic allocation for irrigation and other uses.
- Climate Change Adaptation: The effects of climate change on water resources are recognized, and management strategies are suggested to be resilient to these changes.
- Benchmarking Water Use: Establishment of benchmarks and auditing for different uses to encourage efficient water consumption.
- Community Participation: An emphasis on community involvement in water management projects, ensuring stakeholder engagement and local governance.
This policy aims to sustain India’s water resources amidst challenges posed by pollution, population growth, and ineffective management practices.