By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Water Resources Minister AL Hek has informed that the proposed Water Policy is in the final stages of drafting and has informed that the policy will be tabled in the floor of the House at the earliest.
According to him, they have already received the views and suggestions from the various concerned departments on the policy.
“We have also sought the views from three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). As far I could recall, the KHADC has submitted its views and suggestion on the policy,” Water Resources Minister said.
Meanwhile, 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 scientific lines 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, stated.
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 animals 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.