Question: Consider the following statement New Water policy:
(1) The NWP currently in force was third policy drafted in 2012 since 1987.
(2) This policy was the concept of an Integrated Water Resources Management approach that took the “river basin/ sub-basin” as a unit for planning, development and management of water resources.
From the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only(1)
(b) Only (2)
(c) Only(1) and (2)
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- The government has finalised a committee to draft a new National Water Policy (NWP).
- The committee is expected to produce a report within six months.
National Water Policy 2012:
- The NWP currently in force was drafted in 2012 and is the third such policy since 1987.
- Among the major policy innovations in the 2012 policy was the concept of an Integrated Water Resources Management approach that took the “river basin/ sub-basin” as a unit for planning, development and management of water resources.
- It also proposed that a portion of river flows ought to be kept aside to meet ecological needs. Such an approach led to the government, in 2018, requiring minimum water levels to be maintained in the Ganga all through the year and hydropower projects, therefore, to refrain from hoarding water beyond a point.
- The policy also stressed for a minimum quantity of potable water for essential health and hygiene to all its citizens to be made available within easy reach of households.
- The policy also noted that inter-basin transfers of water should be considered on the basis of merits of each case after evaluating the environmental, economic and social impacts of such transfers.
Links:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/committee-to-draft-new-water-policy/article29947099.ece