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Initiating the discussion, Director of NEER Foundation, Raman Kant Tyagi said that this is the third time since 1986 that the Indian Government has prepared a water policy draft towards ensuring proper water management and its proper conservation. According to the government, the draft has been prepared after in depth discussion with the subject experts. The nation's first water policy was enacted in 1986 and the second in 2002. But due to some flaws and gaps in these policies, current over-exploitation of ground water level increased resulting in continuous decline in ground water level and drying of rivers and streams. Secondly, the water pollution increased to such an extent that ground water started getting contaminated at several places leading to severe consequences. Rainy rivers started turning into dirty drains and mountain rivers became means of carrying heavy loads of pollution.
Owing to these reasons, a dire need was being felt of a strong water policy and therefore the Ministry of Water Resources responded through this draft. Raman on behalf of Neer Foundation thanked the government for its initiative towards drafting a new water policy.
During the dialogue, Executive Secretary of India Water Partnership Ms. Veena Khanduri told that a lot of effort and hardwork have been put up towards drafting this policy. Before preparing the draft, discussions have been organised with experts and other stakeholders in different regions across the country which means, the ministry has paid attention and has devoted a lot of time towards making it more effective. Lot of discussions have been organized nationally. Ms. Khanduri also added that over-exploitation and pollution of water is a serious problem but no efforts have gone towards recharge of water which is a much more serious concern. Increasing urbanization and changing weather is escalating the problem further.
During the discussion, Ms. Minakshi Arora from Water Keeper Alliance said that during present times water availability is not a problem but what is actually required is the proper management of available water. Availability of clean drinking water is a major concern and there is a wide gap between the increasing demand and supply. In such a situation, it is important to use the amount of water which is actually needed. River ecosystem sustenance is also the need of the hour. Water is our basic need and food security is also linked with it. We should not rush into the implementation of this policy and sufficient time should be given for inviting suggestions on the draft so that more and more people can discuss the policy.
Ex-Cabinet Minister Sh. Sompal Shastri added to the discussion saying that like earlier policies, this policy draft also reflects the regulatory nature of the government so that they can intervene as and when required. We should keep in mind that too much interference leads to heightened corruption.
Today we have greater manpower working on the canal systems as compared to the past but we get to see poor management while in earlier times when there was lack of resources and manpower was less, management was much better. Public private partnership theory should be reconsidered. In earlier times, warabandi used to be done through proclamation, drains were cleaned through own initiatives and channels were V-shaped which helped continuous regular and reverse flow of water. Development of water resources is required today. We should also keep in mind that if irrigation facilities are made available to the farmers then this will simultaneously help in drinking water availability for them.
National Spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union, Mr Rakesh Tikait said that suggestions from farmers should also be considered for this policy. Government should provide a platform to the farmers so that even they can share their views on the policy. Small check dams should be constructed over small rainfed rivers. Policy will be considered as strong only if it is drafted considering the views of all the stakeholders equally. Attention should be paid towards water pollution which is continuously expanding to more and more villages.
Dr. Sukesh Sahni from Groundwater Department also shared his views on the policy draft. He was of a view that the policy should not have similar frame for rich and poor. Also destruction of rivers due to unscientific and illegal activities should be strictly stopped by taking stringent actions against it. River ecosystem should be maintained. Rainwater harvesting should be taken into account seriously and water storage structures such as ponds and johads should be revived, reconstructed and recharged.
Dr. P N Singh, Scientist, Central Ground Water Board proposed that the policy be simple and focused. The simpler the policy would be, more feasible and facilitative would be its execution. It is essential that the policy provisions are made straightforward and in a simple language to avoid any confusion and dual meaning.
Dr. S K Kumar, Retired Engineer, Irrigation Department of Uttar Pradesh emphasized the need for a more robust canal system in the policy. Canal not only contributes to a better irrigation system but also increases water level. Low water usage irrigation techniques should be promoted. He said that “we do not see any harm in fixing prices of water because anything which will be distributed free of cost will be least valued and will be much wasted. In 1947, almost 6,000 liters of water per person per year was available to us, but today the figures have gradually dropped down to less than 2000 liters. We will also have to become aware of the fact that by wasting the water at such a rate, we are contributing towards decreasing the availability. We do not have to follow the western countries. If today, everyone across the world starts following the American lifestyle then we would require an additional 4.6 percent of the earth. Crop rotation is another issue which should be taken into account.”
A number of farmers from Khatri, Khandrawali, Kaul, Bhatipura, Poothi, Antwada, Nanglamal and other regions participated in the dialogue - Virendar Singh, Kanti Tyagi, Atul Kumar, Ombeer Singh, Amar Singh, Vinay Tyagi, Jitendra Kumar, Pappu Singh, Khajan Singh, Karamveer and Lalit Tyagi.
Finally it was decided that the findings of discussion will be compiled and sent to Government of India for consideration.