Bhutan Water Vision 2025.

This Bhutan Water Vision 2025 is a multi-sectoral policy document at the national level for the period of 2014-2025. The Water Vision 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. To achieve the Vision water must be used and managed sustainably, efficiently and equitably while preserving the environmental, social, cultural and economic value and use of water. To this end, 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. Realising the Vision requires the participation and involvement of all people in Bhutan working in a partnership mode within an enabling policy, legal and institutional environment.
The Water Vision is based on the principles of environmental conservation, integrated water resources management, sustainable use of water resources, economic efficiency, equity and good governance. All people have the right to a livelihood. This right will be respected in all decisions regarding allocation, management and use of water resources. All people of Bhutan have the right to information and participation in decision-making through consultation and to appeal in matters relating to planning, allocation and use of water resources according to procedures specified in the Water Act and by the National Environment Commission or the Designated National Authority. The Water Vision proposed the goals and targets, including: The conservation of watersheds, monitoring water quality, impact of urbanisation, public awareness on water resources issues; Increased agricultural productivity and production through improved water use efficiency; Tap hydropower vast potential for socio-economic development and elf reliance; Identify and license water bodies/courses for fish farming; Allocate adequate quantity of water in industries and comply with pollution standards; etc.
Recognizing urban and rural poverty as one of the drivers of change, the Water Vision seeks to achieve 100% coverage of safe water supply and sanitation in both rural and urban areas and reduction of water-related diseases.
The Water Vision further seeks to forecast and prevent disasters caused by water such as floods and landslides. One of the priorities is: Water for nature conservation, including prevention of natural disaster and emergencies shall always be a guiding element in all water allocation decisions.