SHILLONG: The State Government would shortly announce the proposed water policy which would lay much needed emphasis on the need to regulate over exploitation of ground water resources.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Water Resources, Rowell Lyngdoh, asserted that it will not take much time before the Government announces the water policy.
The water policy would stress on periodical reassessment of the ground water potential on scientific lines taking into consideration the quality of the water available and the economic viability of its extraction.
According to the minister, the State legislators and members of the Autonomous District Councils were asked to give their suggestion on the draft water policy and many of them have come forward to offer their suggestion. The Government had, earlier, put the draft of the water policy in the public domain inviting views and suggestions that received response from several individuals and groups.
Lyngdoh mentioned that the State Government will have to form several committees for effective implementation of the water policy post its adoption.
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 draft document also dwells on the need to regularly monitor the quality of surface and ground water.
The draft also states that adequate safe drinking water facilities should be provided to the entire population both in urban and rural areas.
The draft document further 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 State Government had roped in German International Cooperation (GIZ) to formulate the water policy.
