Maharashtra State Water Policy 2019.

With the publication of the Maharashtra State Water Policy 2019, the state of Maharashtra has revised its water policy in accordance with the National Water Policy of India to address certain state-specific concerns and challenges. The document starts with the preamble, scope and a brief overview of the state. It then gives an overview of the water resources in the state including the major river basins of Godavari, Krishna, Tapi and Narmada. The document highlights major milestones in water governance such as setting up of the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority and empowering Water Users’ Association through Maharashtra Management of Irrigation Systems by Farmers Act, 2005 and rules thereunder.
The next section of the document discusses challenges faced by the state water sector such as imbalance between demand and supply, uncertainty in availability of water due to temporal and spatial variation, lack of assured access to allocated quotas, depleting groundwater resources and lack of accurate data. This section is followed by the objectives adopted under the Policy including equitable distribution of water, protection of ecosystems and systematic transition to an integrated water resources management mode. The focus areas and strategies are laid out which include inclusive water governance, sectoral allocation, Integrated State Water Plan, Integrated Water Management, Demand Management, Water Quality Management and Intra and Inter-Basin Transfers. The principles and strategies for various types of water use like domestic, agricultural, industrial, power generation and pisciculture etc. are also set out.
Further, the policy document lays down the strategies envisaged for groundwater management; drought mitigation; integrated watershed development and management; flood mitigation and management; maintenance of water infrastructure including dam safety and restoration of old canal systems; pricing; monitoring and information system; capacity building; R&D activities; participation of private sector; and monitoring the implementation of this policy. A Centre of excellence is proposed for international collaborations and learning global best practices.