Explain India’s National Water Conservation Policy, 2002.

India's National Water Conservation Policy, 2002, was introduced to address the growing challenges of water scarcity, unsustainable water use, and deteriorating water quality across the country. The policy aimed to promote integrated water resource management, sustainable development, and efficient use of water resources to ensure water security for present and future generations.

Key objectives of the National Water Conservation Policy included:

1. Promoting Water Conservation: The policy emphasized the importance of water conservation as a priority for sustainable water management. It called for the adoption of measures to minimize water wastage, promote efficient water use practices, and raise awareness about the importance of conserving water resources.

2. Integrated Water Resource Management: The policy advocated for an integrated approach to water resource management, recognizing the interconnectedness of surface water, groundwater, and rainwater harvesting. It emphasized the need for coordinated planning, management, and allocation of water resources to optimize their use and minimize conflicts.

3. Watershed Management: The policy highlighted the significance of watershed management as a means to enhance water availability, improve soil health, and mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods. It called for the implementation of watershed development programs to conserve soil and water, promote afforestation, and enhance rural livelihoods.

4. Institutional Reforms: The policy emphasized the importance of institutional reforms to strengthen water governance and management at the national, state, and local levels. It called for the establishment of regulatory frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and participatory processes to ensure effective coordination and implementation of water conservation initiatives.

5. Capacity Building and Research: The policy recognized the need for capacity building and research to support the implementation of water conservation measures. It called for investments in research, technology development, and training programs to build the capacity of water professionals, policymakers, and communities to manage water resources sustainably.

Overall, India's National Water Conservation Policy, 2002, provided a comprehensive framework for promoting water conservation, sustainable development, and equitable access to water resources. While significant progress has been made in implementing water conservation measures since the introduction of the policy, challenges remain, including increasing water demand, pollution, and climate change impacts, highlighting the ongoing need for concerted efforts to ensure water security and sustainability.