Uttarakhand gets its first water policy
Uttarakhand’s water policy has come into existence after waiting for 19 years. After approval from Raj Bhavan, the government has issued notification of water policy. The policy, based on ecology and development awareness, has a special focus on the regeneration of water resources with the inclusion of traditional methods of water conservation.
The emphasis has been placed on fixing consumption limits to keep the constantly falling level of ground water in check. Dry water bodies have made everyone restless. The NITI Aayog report itself states that about 300 water bodies and small rivers have dried up in the state. Groundwater is also being exploited uncontrollably. In such a situation, there are problems in the state. In view of all this, after a long wait, the state’s policy has been formed.
It was earlier approved by the Cabinet. The policy lays emphasis on providing a framework for planning, development and management of water resources. Also, the availability of water for safe and pure drinking water, sanitation, sewage cleaning and livestock needs, irrigation, hydroelectric projects, ecology, afforestation, biodiversity, ecological tourism, agro-based industries and other uses have been placed at the center of the policy. According to Secretary Irrigation Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, hydel policy has been notified after the approval of the Governor.
Key points of water policy in Uttarakhand
– Initiative for water source revival
– Promotion of gravity-based schemes
-Meter based round the clock water
– Controlled exploitation of ground water
-Invalid action on pumping
– Modernization of cities
– Water storage measures
– Drip irrigation to agriculture
– Purification of contaminated water from industries
-Identification of sensitive sites
– Focus on quality of water
-World water conservation measures
-Account of water usage
UWRMRC constituted as per policy
The Uttarakhand Water Resources Management and Regulatory Commission (UWRMRC) will be formed in the state. Till then, the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan will do the work of charging and recovering under the provisions of the UP Watershed and Sewer Arrangement Act in relation to the use and payment of water.
