“Dayzero” Roadmap for Water Scarce Regions

No specific expert / inter-ministerial committee / research study / policy / plan / strategy for studying, evaluating and preparing a “Day Zero” roadmap/policy for water scarce regions of the country has been conducted. However, the Dynamic Ground Water Resources of the country are being periodically assessed jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and State Governments. Central Water Commission has also carried out the study “Reassessment of Water Availability in India using Space Inputs” in 2019.

Water being a State subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources are primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Central Government provides technical and financial assistance to them through various schemes and programmes.

Central Government has formulated National Water Policy (NWP), 2012 which inter-alia recommends conservation, promotion and protection of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through rain water harvesting, direct use of rainfall and other management measures. It also inter-alia, advocates conservation of river, river bodies and infrastructure to be undertaken in a scientifically planned manner through community participation.

Central Government has formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development which envisages transfer of water from water surplus basins to water deficit basins to improve availability of water.

In compliance to the decision taken by the Committee of Secretaries, an ‘Inter Ministerial Committee’ under the Chairmanship of Secretary (WR, RD & GR) has been constituted to take forward the subject of ‘Push on Water Conservation Related Activities for Optimum Utilization of Monsoon Rainfall’.

A joint advisory of Department of Rural Development, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Department of Land Resources and Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation has been issued on 24.04.2020 to all States/UTs to emphasize efforts in the area of water conservation and water management in the country. The activities include augmentation of existing water sources, ground water recharge, rainwater harvesting and grey water management and recharge.

To promote recharge of ground water, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has formulated guidelines for the States to adopt measures suitable to local conditions. Adequate focus has been given on requirement of rainwater harvesting and water conservation measures in Unified Building Bye Laws (UBBL) of Delhi, 2016, Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL), 2016 and Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014. The MBBL has indicative provisions for rain water harvesting (RWH) in various types of buildings along with responsibility of Urban Local Bodies for RWH in public spaces.

This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Tribal Affairs, Shri Bishweswar Tuduin  Rajya Sabha  today.