National water policy [India]

This document sets out India¿s national water policy based on an integrated and environmentally sound approach which also recognizes the needs of individual States. It calls for a standardized national information system to record water availability and actual use to facilitate resource planning and development. Details on project planning stress that although provision for drinking water should be a primary consideration, projects should be planned and developed using a multi-purpose and multi-disciplinary approach. Maintenance, modernization and monitoring the safety of structures such as storage dams are seen as important aims. Issues such as ground water development; water allocation priorities; water rates, quality and zoning; conservation of water; the participation of farmers and voluntary agencies; and cost effective irrigation options are all dealt with in this policy document. Methods of dealing with the problems of flood control and management, land erosion by sea or river and drought management are also addressed. The document stresses the need to intensify research efforts in various areas and to standardize the training of all personnel involved in information systems and project development and implementation. The document concludes that the success of the national water policy will depend on the development of a national consensus and commitment to its underlying principles and objectives.