Water Conservation Laws and Policies

The National Water Policy, 2012 aims to achieve several objectives, including ensuring equitable distribution of water resources, promoting efficient use of water, and preventing pollution of water resources. However, promoting inter-state water disputes is not a key objective of the policy.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was enacted to prevent and control water pollution by regulating the discharge of pollutants into water bodies. It also empowers the government to take action against those who violate the provisions of the act.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 does not grant permission for discharge of pollutants. Instead, it sets standards for water quality, establishes pollution control boards, and imposes penalties for violations.

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is responsible for regulating groundwater extraction, promoting groundwater recharge, and preventing groundwater pollution. It also issues NOCs for groundwater extraction and monitors the implementation of groundwater regulations.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was launched in 2011 with the aim of cleaning the Ganga River and its tributaries. It is a comprehensive program that includes various components such as sewage treatment, riverfront development, and afforestation.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) is a scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018 to promote groundwater recharge and sustainable groundwater management. It aims to improve the groundwater levels in over-exploited and water-stressed areas.

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) is a campaign launched by the Government of India in 2019 to promote water conservation, create awareness about water scarcity, and encourage rainwater harvesting. It aims to improve water availability and ensure water security for all.

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is a flagship program of the Government of India that aims to provide functional household tap connections to every rural household. It includes components such as providing functional household tap connections, rejuvenating water bodies, and promoting water conservation. However, constructing new water treatment plants is not a component of the JJM.

The Dam Safety Act, 2021 was enacted to ensure the safety of dams, regulate the construction of new dams, and promote sustainable dam management. It also establishes a National Dam Safety Authority and provides for the inspection and maintenance of dams.

The National Water Policy, 2012 is based on several key principles, including equity and social justice, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. However, inter-generational equity is not a key principle of the policy.

The Water Resources Regulatory Authority (WRRA) is responsible for regulating water use, allocating water resources, and resolving water disputes. It is a statutory body established under the Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2007.

The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) was launched in 1995 with the aim of cleaning polluted rivers in India. It is a comprehensive program that includes various components such as sewage treatment, riverfront development, and afforestation.

The National Water Mission (NWM) was launched in 2011 with the aim of improving water use efficiency and ensuring water security for all. It is a comprehensive program that includes various components such as promoting water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge.

The National Policy on Water Reuse (NPWR) was adopted in 2017 with the aim of promoting the reuse of treated wastewater for various purposes, including irrigation, industrial use, and groundwater recharge.

The National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWQMP) is implemented by both the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). It is a comprehensive program that monitors the water quality of various water bodies across the country.