National Policy for Natural and Man-Made Water Bodies

What is the News?

Minister for Jal Shakti has informed that a specific National Policy toward protecting natural and man-made step wells, ports, ponds, tanks or lakes is being discussed.

Which policy is currently there to protect the Natural and Man-Made Water Bodies?

At present, the National Water Policy – 2012 is in effect which contains provisions regarding these Natural and Man-Made Water Bodies.

Further, the Archeological Survey of India(ASI) takes up the works as per National Conservation Policy 2014 for renovation and restoration of natural and man-made step wells, ports, ponds, tanks or lakes.

Note: Water is a State subject. Hence, conservation and efficient management of water resources are primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments. But the Central Government provides inputs and funding.

What is National Water Policy, 2012?

The policy aims to assess the existing situation and proposes a framework for a plan of action with a unified national perspective.

The key provisions of the policy are: 1) Emphasis on the need for a national water framework law, 2) Water after meeting the pre-emptive needs should be treated as an economic good, 3) Adaptation strategies in view of climate change, 4) Setting up of Water Regulatory Authority, 5) Incentivization of recycling and reuse, 6) Removal of the large disparity in stipulations for water supply in urban areas and in rural areas, 7) Water resources projects and services should be managed with community participation and 8) Adequate grants to the States to update technology.

Source: This post is based on the article “National Policy for Natural and Man-Made Water Bodies” published in PIB on 8th Feb 2022.