Bhutan Water Policy, 2007.

2. The Water Vision for Bhutan states that water is the most important natural, economic and life-sustaining resource and we must ensure that it is available in abundance to meet the increasing demands. Present and future generations will have assured access to adequate, safe and affordable water to maintain and enhance the quality of their lives and the integrity of natural ecosystems. Nature, water and human life are interdependent and inseparable and must coexist in harmony and balance. To achieve this vision, water must be used and managed sustainably, efficiently and equitably while recognizing and preserving the environmental, social, cultural and economic value and uses of water. All water users, planners and decision-makers shall be adequately informed, educated and encouraged to value and protect water in all its forms and uses. Realizing this vision requires the involvement of all people in Bhutan working in a continuous partnership within an enabling policy, legal and institutional framework. 5.3 Water for Food Production: Sustainable agriculture development is an important component of socioeconomic development. It is the source of livelihood for 69% of the population. Adequate water allocation to this sector is indispensable for achieving overall national food security. Therefore, water allocation to the sector must be compatible with this national objective. A certain provision of water for consumption by domestic animals has to be made.
3.2 The Royal Government has taken the decision that sustainable agriculture development, harnessing hydropower potential and industrial development shall be the main avenues of socio-economic development. Water is one of the main resources required in fulfilling this important national objective of socio-economic development. Therefore, the need for a water policy to guide the sector in the best interest of the nation cannot be over-emphasized.
4.3 Water support human sustenance and therefore has direct linkage to poverty. Recognizing this strong linkage, water related programs shall address poverty and offer people their right to respectable livelihoods. 4.5 The Water Policy views water resources from a broad, multi-sectoral perspective while recognising the responsibility of the sub-sectors to play their part in meeting the policy objectives. The policy principles are thematically grouped as follows: i) Water user interests and priorities; ii) Principles for water resource development and management; iii) Institutional development for water resources management; and iv) International waters.
6.5 Flood Control and Management: Integrated and coordinated approach in flood control and management is essential. Action plans and programmes shall be developed for monitoring, early warning of flood hazards and disaster management. Particular attention shall be given to threats from floods, including glacial lake outburst floods. Disaster management plan including forecasting, prevention, evacuation and mitigating measures shall be developed for flood-prone basins. Sound watershed management through extensive soil conservation, watershed area treatment, conservation of forests shall be promoted to reduce the incidence and intensity of floods. Flood forecasting and warning system shall be established along with regulations for human settlements and construction of physical flood protection works to minimize loss of life and properties due to floods. Infrastructure for flood protection and damage prevention shall be strengthened. Flood zoning shall be carried out as an important disaster prevention measure. Measures to reduce threats from glacial lake outburst floods shall be taken up. 6.1. As agriculture production has the potential to pollute water resources through use of fertilizers and pesticides, efforts will be made to manage soil and pests without using excessive chemicals to avoid pollution of water resources from non-point agriculture sources.