What is National Water Policy?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
Water is recognized as a prime natural resource and a basic human need. This means the government acknowledges its responsibility to ensure access to safe and adequate water for all citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable. This recognition influences policy decisions related to water allocation and pricing.
- 2.
The policy promotes integrated water resources management (IWRM). IWRM means managing water resources in a coordinated manner, considering surface water, groundwater, and ecological needs together. For example, constructing a dam on a river should also consider its impact on groundwater recharge and downstream ecosystems.
- 3.
Participatory approach to water management is emphasized. This means involving local communities, farmers, and other stakeholders in the planning, development, and management of water resources. This helps ensure that water projects are more sustainable and meet the needs of the people they are intended to serve. For instance, forming water user associations in irrigation projects.
- 4.
Efficient use of water in agriculture is a key priority. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water in India. The policy promotes techniques like drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and crop diversification to reduce water consumption and improve productivity. Subsidies for micro-irrigation equipment are an example of how this is implemented.
- 5.
Water quality management is addressed through measures to prevent and control pollution of water sources. This includes setting standards for effluent discharge from industries and promoting the treatment of sewage before it is released into rivers. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) plays a significant role in enforcing these measures.
- 6.
The policy advocates for water conservation through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and watershed management. These techniques help to replenish groundwater aquifers and reduce dependence on surface water sources. Many cities now have mandatory rainwater harvesting provisions in building bylaws.
- 7.
Pricing of water should reflect its scarcity value. This means that water should not be treated as a free good, and users should be charged a price that reflects the cost of supplying it. This encourages efficient water use and reduces wastage. However, the policy also recognizes the need to provide subsidized water to vulnerable sections of society.
- 8.
The policy emphasizes the need for data collection and monitoring of water resources. This includes establishing a comprehensive database on water availability, water use, and water quality. This data is essential for informed decision-making and effective water management. The Central Water Commission (CWC) is responsible for collecting and disseminating this data.
- 9.
Climate change impacts on water resources are explicitly recognized. The policy calls for incorporating climate change considerations into water resource planning and management. This includes assessing the vulnerability of water resources to climate change and developing adaptation strategies. For example, building climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting drought-resistant crops.
- 10.
Inter-state water disputes should be resolved through negotiations and consensus. The policy encourages states to cooperate in the management of inter-state rivers and to resolve disputes amicably. The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 provides a legal framework for resolving these disputes.
- 11.
The policy promotes the use of technology and innovation in water management. This includes using remote sensing, GIS, and other technologies for water resource assessment and monitoring. It also encourages research and development in water-related technologies.
- 12.
Groundwater regulation is crucial. Over-extraction of groundwater leads to depletion and land subsidence. The policy advocates for regulations to control groundwater extraction and promote sustainable groundwater management. Many states have enacted groundwater legislation to this effect.
Visual Insights
Evolution of National Water Policy
Timeline showing the key events and revisions related to the National Water Policy in India.
The National Water Policy has evolved over time to address emerging challenges in the water sector, including water scarcity, climate change, and inefficient water use.
- 1987First National Water Policy adopted
- 2002Revised National Water Policy incorporating IWRM
- 2012Further revision emphasizing climate change and efficient water use
- 2019Launch of Jal Jeevan Mission
- 2020Launch of Atal Bhujal Yojana
- 2022Draft National Water Policy released, emphasizing demand-side management
- 2026Andhra Pradesh focuses on intra-linking of rivers, aligning with National Water Policy goals
Recent Developments
10 developmentsIn 2022, the draft National Water Policy was released, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in water management, focusing on demand-side management and integrated water resources management.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. This mission has significantly increased access to piped water supply in rural areas.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana, launched in 2020, focuses on improving groundwater management through community participation in water-stressed areas.
Several states have enacted or amended groundwater legislation to regulate groundwater extraction and promote sustainable use. For example, Andhra Pradesh has implemented measures to regulate groundwater extraction for irrigation.
The National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) is being strengthened to improve data collection, analysis, and dissemination related to water resources. This will help in better planning and management of water resources.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority continues to oversee the implementation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's award, ensuring the equitable distribution of water among the basin states.
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, a major inter-basin water transfer project, has received environmental clearances and is expected to improve water availability in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
The government is promoting the use of micro-irrigation techniques through subsidies and awareness campaigns to improve water use efficiency in agriculture.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) continues its efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River, addressing pollution and improving water quality.
The 15th Finance Commission has recommended grants to states for water-related projects, incentivizing them to improve water management and sanitation.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. The National Water Policy emphasizes 'water pricing reflecting its scarcity value.' What's the most common MCQ trap related to this, and how can I avoid it?
The common trap is assuming this means *full* cost recovery from all users. The policy acknowledges scarcity value but also recognizes the need for subsidized water for vulnerable sections. An MCQ might present options implying either complete free water or complete cost recovery; both are incorrect. The correct answer will acknowledge both scarcity pricing *and* subsidies for the needy.
Exam Tip
Remember: 'Scarcity pricing' doesn't equal 'no subsidies.' Look for answers balancing both.
2. Why does the National Water Policy exist? What specific problem does it address that existing water-related laws (like the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956) don't?
The National Water Policy provides a *framework* and guiding principles for water management. The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act addresses specific disputes. The policy aims for integrated water resources management (IWRM), considering surface and groundwater together, efficient use, and equitable distribution – aspects not comprehensively covered by individual laws focused on specific issues or disputes. It sets a national vision, while laws tend to be reactive and specific.
3. The policy emphasizes a 'participatory approach.' Can you give a real-world example of how this works in practice, and what challenges arise?
A real-world example is the formation of Water User Associations (WUAs) in irrigation projects. Farmers collectively manage water distribution, maintenance, and fee collection. Challenges include power imbalances within WUAs (larger landowners dominating), lack of technical expertise among members, and difficulties in enforcing water discipline (preventing theft or overuse).
4. What are the strongest criticisms leveled against the National Water Policy, and how would you, as a civil servant, respond to them?
answerPoints: * Critics argue that the policy is too broad and lacks concrete mechanisms for enforcement, leading to limited impact on the ground. Response: Acknowledge the criticism but emphasize the policy's role in setting the overall direction and guiding principles. Argue that implementation is primarily the responsibility of states, and the Union government can incentivize better practices through funding and technical assistance. * Another criticism is its emphasis on pricing, which can disproportionately affect the poor. Response: Reiterate the policy's provision for subsidized water to vulnerable sections and emphasize the need for targeted subsidies and efficient delivery mechanisms to ensure affordability. * Some argue that the policy doesn't adequately address the impact of climate change. Response: Highlight the 2012 revision's inclusion of climate change considerations and the ongoing efforts to integrate climate resilience into water management strategies.
5. The 2022 draft National Water Policy emphasizes 'demand-side management.' What does this mean, and why is it considered a significant shift?
Demand-side management focuses on reducing water consumption rather than solely increasing supply. This includes measures like promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques, incentivizing water conservation in industries, and raising public awareness about water wastage. It's a shift because previous policies largely focused on building dams and canals to increase water availability, often neglecting the need to manage demand and reduce wastage. This new focus acknowledges the limits of supply-side solutions and the importance of sustainable consumption.
6. How does the National Water Policy address groundwater management, especially considering the Atal Bhujal Yojana? What's a key difference in their approaches?
The National Water Policy advocates for groundwater recharge, regulation of extraction, and participatory management. The Atal Bhujal Yojana is a *specific scheme* focused on community-led groundwater management in water-stressed areas. The key difference is that the Policy provides broad guidelines, while Atal Bhujal Yojana is a targeted, implementation-oriented program with community participation and financial incentives for better groundwater management practices at the local level.