Explain National Water Policy in India.

The National Water Policy in India provides a comprehensive framework for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of water resources across the country. Adopted by the Government of India in 2012, the National Water Policy outlines principles, objectives, and strategies to address the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and inequity, while promoting integrated water resource management and equitable access to water for all.

Key aspects of the National Water Policy in India include:

1. Integrated Water Resource Management: The policy emphasizes the need for integrated planning and management of water resources, taking into account the interconnectedness of surface water, groundwater, and rainwater harvesting. It promotes a holistic approach to water management that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions, as well as the impacts of climate change on water availability and quality.

2. Conservation and Sustainability: The National Water Policy prioritizes the conservation and sustainable use of water resources to meet present and future needs. It advocates for measures such as efficient water use, water recycling and reuse, watershed management, and groundwater recharge to enhance water security and resilience in the face of growing water stress and scarcity.

3. Equitable Access and Social Equity: The policy emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access to water for all sections of society, particularly marginalized and vulnerable communities. It recognizes water as a basic human right and calls for measures to address water poverty, gender disparities, and social inequities in access to water and sanitation services.

4. Institutional Framework: The National Water Policy proposes the establishment of a robust institutional framework for water governance, coordination, and regulation at the national, state, and local levels. It calls for the integration of water planning and management across sectors, stakeholders, and administrative boundaries, as well as the involvement of communities, civil society, and the private sector in decision-making processes.

5. Water Quality and Pollution Control: The policy emphasizes the importance of protecting and restoring water quality, addressing pollution, and preventing contamination of water sources. It advocates for measures such as pollution control regulations, wastewater treatment, and pollution monitoring to safeguard human health and environmental integrity.

Overall, the National Water Policy in India serves as a guiding framework for sustainable water management and governance, aiming to balance competing water demands, promote social equity, and ensure the availability of water resources for future generations. Implementation of the policy requires concerted efforts from government agencies, civil society organizations, and stakeholders at all levels to address the complex challenges of water management and achieve the policy's objectives.