National Water Policy 2012.

This National Water Policy (NWP) is a sectoral document to govern the planning and development of water resources and their optimum utilization. India has more than 18 % of the world’s population, but has only 4% of world’s renewable water resources and 2.4% of world’s land area. The objective of the National Water Policy is to take cognizance of the existing situation, to propose a framework for creation of a system of laws and institutions and for a plan of action with a unified national perspective. The Policy seeks to address issues such as the scarcity of water, inequities in its distribution and the lack of a unified perspective in planning, management and use of water resources.
The NWP sets out 10 basic principles to govern public policies on planning, development and management of water resources. One of these principles provides that water needs to be managed as a common pool community resource held, by the state, under public trust doctrine to achieve food security, support livelihood, and ensure equitable and sustainable development for all. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) taking river basin / sub-basin as a unit should be the main principle for planning, development and management of water resources. Appropriate institutional arrangements for each river basin should also be developed for monitoring water quality in both surface and ground waters.
The NWP seeks to manage water related disasters. Guiding principles for water resources management recognised by this NWP also include: 1.the impact of climate change on water resources availability must be factored into water management related decisions; 2. Given the limits on enhancing the availability of utilizable water resources and increased variability in supplies due to climate change, demand management shall be given priority, through (a) evolving an agricultural system which economizes on water use and maximizes value from water, and (b) bringing in maximum efficiency in use of water and avoiding wastages. For the management of flood and drought, emphasis should be on preparedness for flood / drought with coping mechanisms as an option. Greater emphasis should be placed on rehabilitation of natural drainage system.
National Water Board should prepare a plan of action for the implementation of the NWP, and regularly monitor its implementation.