The Hindu Business Line : Commercial exploitation of water will be regulated in Kerala: Draft policy

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 30 Kerala’s Draft Water Policy declares that the State will set up a well-defined and transparent system for water entitlements based on the principle that water, as a community resource, shall primarily be used for public benefit. Individual interest shall not be allowed to take precedence over public interest, the document, which was released on Saturday, adds.

The commercial exploitation, use and transactions of water by private individuals and establishments shall be regulated, the document emphasises. The State will prioritise the allocation of water among different groups of users, with domestic users taking top priority, it states. Next in order of priority should be for agricultural use, followed by power generation, agro-based industrial use, and industrial and commercial use.

Managing projects

The draft policy also outlines a series of measures for management of existing water resources projects and water resources planning. Among the planning measures suggested are efforts to conserve and manage traditional water resource structures with stakeholder participation.

Rainwater harvesting will be given priority and promoted, especially in the coastal region and the high-range regions of the State. Special incentives and support will be given to local self-government bodies for popularising rainwater harvesting structures, the draft policy adds.

Master plans

Master plans will be prepared for all the major rivers in the State. These plans will form the basis of any river-based project, the draft policy states.

Legislative changes, wherever necessary, will have to be made, it says. Some aspects that have to be brought under new enactments include water rights, prioritisation of water use, groundwater exploitation, bulk supply, water harvesting, transfer of irrigation systems to users, use of irrigation water for drinking purpose, water pricing, and subsidy norms, it adds.

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