Key Features of the Draft National Water Framework Bill

The Draft National Water Framework Bill represents a comprehensive approach to addressing various water-related challenges in India. This legislation aims to ensure sustainable water management by emphasizing equitable access, ecosystem protection, and community participation. With a clear focus on enhancing water security and promoting efficient water use, the bill addresses critical issues facing the nation today. Below, we explore the 12 most important features of the Draft National Water Framework Bill, shedding light on its objectives and implications for water management in India.

1. Right to Water for Life

One of the foundational principles of the Draft National Water Framework Bill is the Right to Water for Life. This feature emphasizes that:

• Every Individual's Right: Every person is entitled to a sufficient quantity of safe water. This fundamental right is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of the population.
• Compliance Standards: Drinking water agencies are mandated to adhere to the Manual of the Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation, ensuring the provision of safe and adequate drinking water.

2. River Rejuvenation

The bill prioritizes the rejuvenation of rivers through a threefold approach:

• Aviral Dhara: This initiative focuses on maintaining the connectivity of flow within each river system, essential for the ecological balance.
• Nirmal Dhara: The objective here is to safeguard river water quality from adverse human activities, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems.
• Swachh Kinara: This aspect aims at cleaning and beautifying riverbanks, enhancing both aesthetic and ecological values.
• Aquifer Rejuvenation: The bill recognizes the importance of aquifers, which serve as vital sources for river systems, and promotes their restoration.

3. Protecting Ecosystems Dependent on Water

To ensure the sustainability of ecosystems that rely on water resources, the bill includes provisions to protect rivers from harmful practices:

• Floodplain Construction: It mandates the protection of rivers from construction activities on their floodplains, which can disrupt natural water flow and habitat.
• Sand Mining Restrictions: The bill explicitly prohibits sand mining activities that can lead to riverbank erosion and degradation of water quality.

4. People-Centered Water Management

The Draft National Water Framework Bill advocates for a people-centered approach to water management:

• Groundwater and Surface Water Conservation: It encourages community involvement in conservation efforts through methods such as:
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing techniques to collect and store rainwater, thereby augmenting local water supplies.
  • Watershed Development: Enhancing watershed areas to improve water retention and quality.
  • Participatory Irrigation Management: Involving local communities in the management of irrigation systems for more efficient water use.

5. Water Use and Land Use

The bill emphasizes the need for responsible land use to optimize water resources:

• Appropriate Land Use: Focus on aligning land use planning with water availability, ensuring sustainable practices in agriculture and development.
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promoting practices that optimize water usage, thus enhancing food security without compromising water resources.

6. Treatment and Use of Wastewater

The Draft National Water Framework Bill places significant emphasis on the treatment and reuse of wastewater:

• Promoting Recycling: Encouraging technologies and practices that recycle and reuse wastewater for agricultural and industrial purposes.
• Integrated Approach: Acknowledging wastewater management as a critical component of overall water resource management, thus contributing to water sustainability.

7. Integrated River Basin Development and Management

To combat issues such as declining water tables and drying rivers, the bill promotes integrated river basin management:

• Holistic Planning: Development activities must consider hydrological, ecological, and agro-climatic conditions to avoid negative environmental impacts.
• River Basin Authorities: The Central Government will establish river basin authorities for every interstate river and valley to oversee comprehensive management efforts, focusing on social and economic development alongside land use planning.

8. Project Planning and Management

Participatory governance is at the heart of project planning and management under this bill:

• Local Governance Involvement: Panchayats, municipalities, and corporations will be actively involved in planning and managing water-related projects, ensuring local needs and conditions are prioritized.
• Community Engagement: This collaborative approach aims to foster community ownership and accountability in water management initiatives.

9. Planning for Water Security

Water security is a paramount concern addressed in the Draft National Water Framework Bill:

• Water Security Plans: These plans will be developed to ensure water availability during emergencies such as droughts and floods.
• Regular Updates: The plans will be reviewed and revised every five years to adapt to changing environmental and demographic conditions.
• Incentives for Water Conservation: The bill encourages incentives for farmers to switch to less water-intensive crops and to adopt water conservation technologies such as drip irrigation and sprinklers.

10. Water Resource Information System

To enhance data-driven decision-making in water management, the bill calls for the establishment of a Water Resource Information System (WRIS):

• Centralized Data Management: The Central Government will develop and maintain the WRIS to compile comprehensive hydrological data across the country.
• Satellite Imagery Utilization: The use of satellite imagery will enable better monitoring of water resources, enhancing transparency and planning effectiveness.

11. Promotion of Innovation and Knowledge Management

The bill emphasizes the need for ongoing research and innovation within the water sector:

• Research Support: The government will promote research initiatives to address challenges in water management, encouraging technological advancements that facilitate better water use.
• Knowledge Sharing: This feature aims to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and capacity building within communities and among stakeholders in the water sector.

12. Water Conflicts – Interstate Water Disputes

To address the complexities of interstate water conflicts, the bill outlines institutional arrangements:

• Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: These mechanisms will be established to facilitate dialogue and resolution of disputes between states over shared water resources.
• Cooperative Framework: The emphasis is on cooperative governance to ensure fair and equitable distribution of water resources among states, fostering regional harmony.

Conclusion

The Draft National Water Framework Bill is a transformative step towards sustainable water management in India. By emphasizing the right to water, community participation, and integrated management approaches, the bill addresses critical challenges in water security, ecosystem protection, and efficient resource utilization. As India faces increasing pressures on its water resources, this legislative framework offers a comprehensive blueprint for fostering resilience, promoting conservation, and ensuring equitable access to water for all.

For aspirants preparing for the IAS exam, understanding the features of this bill is crucial. It not only provides insights into the governance of water resources but also highlights the intersection of environmental policy and community engagement. With India poised to confront significant water-related challenges in the coming years, familiarity with the Draft National Water Framework Bill will enhance the ability to navigate and contribute to discussions on water management and policy in the country.