Date:05/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/05/stories/2007010502321300.htm

National

Board to discuss regulatory mechanisms

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: The Water Resources Ministry has convened a meeting of the National Water Board on Friday that would discuss with States ticklish issues such as the formation of the State Water Policy, River Basin Organisations, Model Ground Water Regulatory Bill and setting up a regulatory mechanism on the water potential created and utilised.

In the last meeting of the Board it was decided to set up a committee to suggest a model for the RBOs that are proposed to be chaired by the State Irrigation Ministers of the river basin States by rotation, with local MPs and MLAS getting representation on it. The RBOs are to be set up for optimum utilisation of water. The meeting will also discuss the powers and functions of the RBOs.

The Board will attempt to evolve a consensus on the Model Ground Water Regulatory Bill to regulate and control the development and management of ground water. The Bill calls for setting up a Ground Water Regulatory Authority that will take steps to ensure that exploitation of ground water does not exceed replenishment to the aquifers. It will also issue permits for ground water sources like wells, etc. It will be involved in watershed management and rainwater harvesting for replenishment of ground water sources.

The meeting will also discuss the process of implementation of Participatory Irrigation Management over works of maintenance and distribution including water pricing. This would involve setting up of water users association.