National Integrated Water Resources Management Policy 2017.

The National Integrated Water Resources Management Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The objectives of this IWRM Policy are (I) integrated management of water resources and wastewater, with a special emphasis on planning, environmental management, pollution control and adaptation to the impacts of climate change and variability, (II) sustainable management and protection of watersheds, wetlands as well as forests, (III) water security and resilience, (IV) mitigation of the impacts of flood, drought, and other water-related emergencies, (V) fair and efficient allocation of water among all water users, (VI) efficient water services within the principles of equity and affordability, (VII) increased quality and quantity of water, (VIII) capacity building and data collection to facilitate the planning, engineering design, research and development, (IX) public awareness-raising on sustainable and rational use of water resources, (X) collective responsibility, joint ownership and partnerships in water resources management at the national level, (XI) technology advancement in sustainable water resources management, and (XII) strengthened governance for the water sector.
The participation of small farmers, local communities and farmers' organizations will be encouraged in the planning, implementation, and operation and maintenance stages of water management infrastructure. Moreover, access to water will be facilitated for small farmers by developing water management infrastructure on state lands, particularly where a large number of small farmers are the target beneficiaries. The involvement of men, women, children and vulnerable groups will be facilitated in the management and sustainable use of water resources at all levels and in the sharing of benefits. Financial agricultural measures will be taken for smallholders to meet their water needs in agriculture, livestock and aquaculture sectors.
Due to the importance of land resources in water resources management, land use planning will be developed in line with water resources management to meet water needs of the society in an efficient, equitable and environmentally sustainable manner. To this end, the linkages between land use planning and water resources will be strengthened to protect surface and groundwater resources, ensure the supply of adequate water, improve sewerage services and to mitigate the negative impacts on watersheds. The National Spatial Development Strategy will be developed taking into account specific water demand, supply and watershed management issues. Moreover, all land development related agencies shall control the relevant activities to be in conformity with the requirements. A watershed management programme will be developed by the Government for the protection of land allocated for forest reserve, water reserves, game sanctuaries, environmentally sensitive areas and prohibited areas; classification of watershed based on source protection, restoration, conservation, flood buffers, slope, intakes, and sediment loads; the use of ecologically and technologically appropriate agro-forestry, soil conservation, and reforestation; and control over all degradation practices and non-point sources of pollution. Public awareness will be raised on sustainable use and protection of water resources. Data collection and monitoring systems as well as research and development will be improved for enabling scientific-based environmental impact and socio-economic assessment, including climatic, surface water, groundwater, water use and socio-economic data. A comprehensive National Integrated Water Resources Master Plan will be developed by the Government for a 25 years period to give effect to this Policy. This Master Plan shall address the sustainable management and use and protection of water resources; increase in water quality and quantity; response, mitigation and recovery programmes for water-related emergencies; coastal zone management; and the dynamics of water consumption from the standpoint of various economic activities. In order to ensure sound management of water resources and to protect the interests of competing water users, an abstraction licensing system will be developed by the Government for the abstraction of any surface, ground, or coastal nearshore waters. Designated use of water will be specified by the Government taking into account the usage and value of public water supply, protection of fish, wildlife, recreational waters, agriculture, industry and navigational waterways. Ambient water quality criteria will be developed for both surface and groundwater to maintain healthy ecosystems. Public water systems and infrastructure will be developed to meet the quality and reliability requirements of public water demand. Public health will be protected against water-borne illnesses by establishing national standards and guidelines for water that is designated for drinking, industrial, agricultural, or other non-drinking water use. A comprehensive water loss reduction programme will be implemented by the Government and water use efficiency, water reuse and recycling of wastewater will be encouraged. Water use efficiency techniques for irrigation, such as rainwater harvesting, use of storm water and water reuse, will be encouraged in agricultural production. In addition, measures will be taken against agricultural wastewater and runoff to protect human health and the environment.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation will be integrated into water resources management with a multi-sectoral approach. Disaster risk management will be strengthened to cope with severe floods, storm surges, pollution and its related incidents and significant infrastructure failure. All major water infrastructures and facilities will be monitored and inspected and institutional capacity building will be enhanced to enable mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and restoration. An integrated flood management programme will be developed by the Government to identify flood risk areas and to implement prevention, mitigation and response measures.