The lack of availability of an exhaustive natural resource has given rise to several pertinent questions on the usage, wastage, conservation, and governance of this resource, water. The wide temporal and spatial difference in the availability of water \, which has increased substantially due to climate change, has contributed to the rise in the occurrence of water-related disasters such as droughts and floods. Public policies on water management need to be developed on some common principles to deal with planning, development, and management of water resources. Principles of equity and social justice must be applied to the allocation of resources. The policy calls for the management of water as a community resource, held by the state, under a public trust doctrine to achieve food security, support livelihood, support sustenance in agriculture, and minimum needs of the ecosystem. Safe water for drinking and sanitation should be considered a primary preemptive need. All the elements of water are interdependent with the basic hydrological unit as the river basin, which should be considered the basic hydrological unit for planning. With climate change impacting water availability and livelihoods, importance is given to the policy towards enhancing the capabilities of communities to adopt climate-resilient technological options. Recycle and reuse of water, including return flows should be monitored. Equitable usage and fair pricing of water are stressed. Flood and drought conservation is also something this policy stresses on Adequate supply and sewage facilities for rural areas should be implemented. Forums and water dispute tribunals are also suggested in the policy to help deal with related crises. Database and information along with research and training needs should be adequately met. The National Water Policy Board is tasked with the policy implementation.
National Water Policy: Streamlining the water crisis
