Water Policy: Odisha government plans new water policy for conservation and management | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt is planning to come out with a new water policy for better conservation, use and management of water resources in the state, chief minister Mohan Majhi told the assembly on Thursday.
As per the CM’s reply to a question by BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, the govt is in consultation with various departments and has been analysing policies of other states to formulate its own policy keeping in mind the state’s future needs.
The state had last formulated a water policy in 2007, which is still in place.
The 2007 policy prioritised use of water for drinking, environmental needs, irrigation and fisheries, besides being used as a source of energy and for industrial purpose.
Stating about the need for a new policy, Majhi said, “There have been massive changes in the past 12 years in the water sector, besides change in climate, coming up of new structures, data management issues, use of information technology and research in water field. The new policy will aligned with the Centre’s water policy formulated in 2012 and women and communities will be involved in water management.”
Majhi, in response to another question by BJD’s Sarada Prasad Nayak, said the govt had formed a water conservation fund (WCF) as per a cabinet decision taken by the then BJD govt in 2013. “The same was notified in May 2015. However, citing that there is no Act or rule to collect such a fund, 30 industrial bodies moved the Orissa high court and the matter is pending in the court. Though 14 industries have contributed Rs 232.82 crore to WCF, the amount can’t be spent at the moment because of the court case,” he added.
Sources said the new policy may incorporate provisions of WCF. The govt has filed an affidavit in the high court, stating that WCF is not a tax but a liberal aid extended by the industries. Industries using more than one cusec of water were asked to pay Rs 2.50 per cusec to WCF.
While replying to another question by Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, Majhi said govt will take steps to survey and assess the depletion of water table in Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers.
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