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Introduction:

India is grappling with severe water stress, with a NITI Aayog report stating that by 2030, 40 percent of the population will have no access to drinking water. This alarming situation, driven by rising demand, inefficient water management, and climate change, necessitates urgent intervention. To address these challenges, the Central Government is considering enacting model legislation for water regulation to provide a uniform framework for sustainable and equitable water usage across states.

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Need for Model Legislation:

• Uniformity in Regulation: Currently, water laws vary significantly across states, leading to inconsistent management practices.
  For example: Although Punjab and Haryana have minimal restrictions on groundwater extraction, states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka have implemented stringent regulations to control groundwater use. This disparity is highlighted by the fact that 13 states have groundwater extraction rates exceeding 100%, indicating severe overuse and the urgent need for a cohesive national framework.
• Addressing Over-Extraction: Groundwater extraction in India exceeds recharge rates, it has increased from 58% to 63% between 2004 and 2017.
  For example: In regions like Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan, groundwater extraction surpasses recharge rates, leading to critical water shortages.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Climate change affects water availability due to altered rainfall patterns, leading to increased water scarcity.
  For example: The Indian Meteorological Department reported a 10% reduction in annual monsoon rainfall in the past decade.
• Equitable Distribution: Water inequity persists, with many rural areas lacking access to clean water. 80% of domestic water needs in rural India are met using groundwater, contributing to significant depletion.
  For example: Only 30% of rural households in India have access to tap water.
• Enhancing Water Security: With water demand projected to rise by 70% by 2025, a uniform regulatory framework is essential.
  For example: Delhi facing severe water crisis, with the Delhi Jal Board reporting significant supply disruptions due to high ammonia levels and reduced water release from neighbouring states, affecting millions of residents.

Key Features to Ensure Effective and Equitable Water Regulation in India:

• Adopting Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): IWRM will foster a holistic approach to managing water resources by integrating both surface and groundwater management. It will include local river basin management plans to coordinate water usage, resulting in more efficient water utilisation and sustainable management.
• Permits and Licensing: Permits for groundwater extraction should be made mandatory, with strict quantity limits. Industries will be required to install digital flow metres and undergo annual audits. This will ensure regulated use and prevent overextraction of groundwater.
• Community Participation: Community participation should be encouraged, promoting active involvement of local communities in water management. Local water user associations should be empowered to manage and monitor resources. This will increase accountability and ensure that local needs are met.
• Water Conservation Measures: Mandatory rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation practices shall be included. Farmers should be provided with incentives to adopt micro-irrigation systems. These measures will reduce water waste and enhance groundwater recharge.
• Penal Provisions: Strict penalties shall be implemented to enforce compliance with water regulations. Violations should result in blacklisting and prosecution of non-compliant industries. This will deter illegal activities and ensure adherence to regulations.

Conclusion:

The proposed model legislation for water regulation is a vital step towards sustainable and equitable water management in India. By standardising regulations across states, promoting conservation, and ensuring community participation, it aims to tackle the multifaceted challenges of water scarcity and climate change. Implementing this model law will secure water resources for future generations, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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