By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Realising the importance of water for both human and animal life, the proposed draft document of the State Water Policy has laid emphasis on the need to regulate exploitation of ground water resources.
“There should be a periodical reassessment of the ground water potential on a scientific basis taking into consideration the quality of the water available and economic viability of its extraction,” the draft document prepared by the State Government, which is available on the official website of the Water Resources department, states.
Stating that the detrimental environmental consequences of over exploitation of ground water need to be effectively prevented by the State Government, the proposed draft document, adds that over exploitation of ground water should be avoided especially near the brackish/ polluted water bodies to prevent ingress of salt/polluted water into sweet water aquifers.
“The ground water recharge projects should be developed and implemented for improving both the quality and availability of ground water resources,” the draft document states.
The document also dwells on the need to regularly monitor on the quality of surface and ground water.
“A phased programme should be undertaken for improvements in water quality. Effluents should be treated to acceptable levels and standards before discharging them into natural streams,” the document adds.
“Minimum flow should be ensured in the perennial streams for maintaining ecology and social considerations. There should be a necessary legislation for preservation of existing water bodies by preventing encroachment and deterioration of water quality,” the document states.
The draft also states that adequate safe drinking water facilities should be provided to the entire population both in urban and rural areas.
“Irrigation and multipurpose projects should invariable include a drinking water component, wherever there is no alternative source of drinking water.
“Drinking water needs of human beings and animal should be the first charge on any available water,” the draft says.
Moreover, the draft document states that management of water resources for diverse uses should incorporate a participatory approach by involving not only the various governmental agencies but also the users and other stakeholders.
The draft document also stressed on the need to have a master plan for flood control and management for each flood prone basin.
“Adequate flood cushion should be provided in water storage projects wherever feasible to facilitate better flood management. In highly flood prone areas, flood control should be given overriding consideration in reservoir regulation policy even at the cost of sacrificing some irrigation or power benefits,” the draft mentions.
Meanwhile, a senior government official on Friday said that the success of the State Water Policy will depend entirely on evolving and maintaining a general consensus and commitment to its underlying principles and objectives.
To achieve the desired objectives, he said that State Water Policy backed with an operational action plan shall be formulated in probably two years’ time.
The Government has invited views and suggestions from various stakeholders, NGOs and individuals on the proposed draft of the Water Policy.
The views and suggestions are expected to be submitted within the end of August, the official added.