Kerala State Water Policy 2008.

The main objectives of this Kerala State Water Policy 2008 are to: Adopt integrated and multi-sectoral approach for planning, development and management of water resources; Consider micro watersheds as the basic unit for the conservation and optimal utilization of water resources for achieving resource sustainability; Integrate the problems and prospects of water resource systems by considering river basin as the basic unit; Emphasize the importance of comprehensive watershed conservation and management plan, water quality management plan, long-term sub-basin and river basin operation and monitoring plan and State water resource plan; Enable appropriate institutional mechanism and legal measures for sustainable water resource development and management.
The policy parameters and initiatives proposed in the document include: the State shall establish a well-defined transparent system for water entitlements according to the guidelines and prescriptions made and accepted by the public at large; The commercial exploitation, use and transactions of water by private individuals and establishments shall be regulated; the assessment and development of groundwater aquifers shall be made based on the specific characteristics of respective aquifers; Detailed database on water at the micro watershed level shall be prepared in a participatory mode and water balance shall be estimated at the watershed, sub basin and river basin levels; The conservation and management of traditional water resources structures with stakeholder participation shall be adopted as an important practice; Effective measures shall be adopted to prevent the physical, chemical and biological loading into wetlands; Protection of water bodies to sustain traditional fishing activities will receive a high priority; Suitable preventive and corrective measures, with active public participation will be taken up to ensure the safety of drinking water; etc.