Sindh Water Policy 2023.

The Sindh Water Policy outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the pressing challenges surrounding water resources and their sustainable use. The overarching goal of this Policy is to ensure a secure water supply for present and future generations while preserving aquatic ecosystems and fostering socio-economic development. By promoting water efficiency, recycling, and reuse, the Policy aims to minimize wastage and enhance water security in the face of increasing uncertainties. It seeks to empower local communities and indigenous people, respecting their traditional knowledge and practices, and acknowledging their vital role in water conservation. Furthermore, the Policy underscores the significance of sound governance and policy frameworks that incentivize responsible water use, support research and innovation, and encourage private sector engagement in water-related initiatives.
At the outset, the Policy provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of water resources, identifying, challenges, key stressors and vulnerabilities. Strategic objectives are designed to guide decision-making and drive actions at various levels of governance, from national to local, involving both public and private sectors. Central to the policy's approach is the principle of integrated water resources management, which emphasizes the interdependence of water-related sectors such as agriculture, industry, and urban development. For each theme (Water Governance, Management of Canal and Drainage System, Water Management in Dryland Areas, Management of Water Dependent Ecosystems, Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Services and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Services) challenges and policy directions and actions are outlined. There are also chapters on Implementation, Reporting, Coordination and Review and Water Distribution Inter-provincial and Basin wide Issues. The last-mentioned Chapter makes reference to the national Water Apportionment Accord 1991.
The Policy requires the Sindh Water Resources Council to be established. The Sindh Water Resources Management Department will serve as the Secretariat of the SWRC. Irrigation Department and Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority into Sindh Water Resources Management Department (SWRMD).