GOVERNMENT OF PUDUCHERRY
CHIEF SECRETARIAT (AGRICULTURE)
(G.O. Ms. No. 3/Ag., Puducherry, dated 16th May 2017)
NOTIFICATION
The State Water Policy for the Union territory of Puducherry
appended to this Notification is hereby published for general information
of the public.
M. SARATHI,
Deputy Secretary to Government (Agriculture).
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La Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry
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23 {
No.
67
Poudouchéry
Mardi
23
Mai
2017 (2 Jyaistha 1939)
No.
Puducherry
Tuesday
23rd
May
2017
636
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[ PART-I
636
WATER POLICY FOR UNION TERRITORY OF PUDUCHERRY, 2016
1. Preamble.— 1.1 Water, a prime natural resource, an essential
environment for sustaining all life forms, is a scarce and precious national asset.
Realizing the importance and scarcity it is the most crucial element in
developmental planning to develop, conserve and manage the water resources
in the country in a sustainable manner guided by the national perspective.
Efficient and effective water management with integrated or conjunctive
utilization of ground and surface water resources are the immediate need to
increase the productivity. On the other hand, as the region of Puducherry is
prone to frequent floods, droughts and cyclone, a mechanism with national level
coordination is to be setup at all vulnerable places for effective natural disaster
management.
1.2 It is the responsibility of any welfare Government to provide
permanent, protected and potable water to all the citizens and other inhabitants
with adequate attention to the growing needs. The quality of water is to be
preserved by way of eliminating/minimizing all the polluting sources.
Improvements in existing strategies, innovation of new techniques, resting on
a strong science and technology are needed for effective pollution control.
1.3 The annual and normal rainfall and the population census of 2011
of all the four regions of the Union territory of Puducherry are summarized
below:
Rainfall
Sl.
Years
In Millimetres
No.
Puduchery
Karaikal
Mahe
Yanam
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
1
2010-2011
1834
1841
3005
2307
2
2011-2012*
1376
1081
3201
676
Normal Rainfall**
1323
1435
3344
1214
Source : Public Works Department, Puducherry.
Note
:
* For the period upto November, 2011.
* * Normal rainfall is the simple arithmetic average of data for 30 years
from 1980-81 to 2009-10 (June to May).
Population – 2011 Census
Sl.
Item
In Numbers
No.
Puduchery
Karaikal
Mahe
Yanam
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
1
Population
9,46,600
2,00,314
41,934
55,616
Total
12,44,464
Source : Director of Census Operations, Puducherry
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1.4 The Union Territory has achieved one hundred per cent coverage
in providing potable drinking water supply in both urban and rural areas. Apart
from the people residing in the Union Territory as mentioned above, floating
population is ever increasing due to tourism related events, economic and
commercial activities in the Union Territory. Water consumption by these floating
population is also a major concern. The present per capita supply and sewage
generated are as follows:
Present Per Capita Supply and Sewage Generated
SI. No.
Particulars
Quantity
1
Urban areas
135 LPCD
2
Rural areas
70 LPCD
3
Sewage generation
60 MLD
4
Sewage treated by PWD*
13 MLD
5
Mode of disposal
Sea
Note :
* Modernization and expansion of existing Sewage Treatment Plants of
Public Works Department with underground sewage transport
facilities are in progress.
1.5 The Union Territory is mainly dependent on ground water for all
uses. There are two major tanks (Ousteri and Bahour) and 86 small and medium
tanks in Puducherry. The utility of ground water resources is as follows:
Utility of Ground Water Resources
(in ha m)
Sl.
Assessment
Net annual
Total Gross
Stage of ground
No.
Unit/District
ground water
ground water
water
availability
draft for
development
all users
%
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
1
Puducherry
109.46
142.6812
130
2
Karaikal
61.60554
8.985
15
3
Mahe
2.45007
1.6778
68
4
Yanam
–
–
–
Total
173.51561
153.344
213
1.6 The National Water Policy, 1987 was reviewed and updated by
the Ministry of Water Resources and the revised policy titled "National Water
Policy, 2002” was adopted in the 5th Meeting of the National Water Resources
Council held on 1st April, 2002. Subsequently, draft National Water Policy, 2012
was unveiled during January, 2012 and as recommended by National Water Board
in its 14th Meeting held on 7th June, 2012, the revised draft National Water
Policy, 2012 was released by the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of
India.
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1.7 In tune with the draft National Water Policy 2012. Government
of Puducherry has decided to formulate a State Water Policy with an operational
action plan in order to achieve the desired objectives.
2. Information System.— 2.1 For proper planning and effective
implementation of the projects, rehabilitation and preservation of the resources,
efficient management with adequate training in operation and maintenance of
the systems, it is a prime requisite to establish a well developed management
information system. A standardized information system with a network of data
banks and data bases will coordinate with the organizations of Central and
neighbouring State Governments promoting free exchange of data among various
agencies. Advanced information technology and standard procedures will be
introduced by the above referred system which will not only study the water
availability and actual usage but also project comprehensive and reliable data
of future demands of water for diverse purposes. The "Puducherry Water
Resources Organization" a Society run by Government of Puducherry with State
Ground Water Unit will develop a water management information system,
comprising of surface, ground and meteorological data relating to water. The
services of the other institutions or organizations and technical expertise from
the academic institutions will be made use of whenever required.
3. Water Resources Planning.— 3.1 This Water Policy is applicable to
all the water resources in the Union Territory. A Water Resources Control
Management and Review Council or Committee will be constituted to monitor
the implementation of the Policy.
3.2 Effective systems for the flow of data from the field to the
Management Information System and vice versa will be established.
3.3 Water balance studies and master plan will be prepared. Water
resources available in the State shall be brought within the category of
utilizable resources, to the maximum possible extent.
3.4 The State Ground Water Unit of the Department of Agriculture.
Public Works Department, Pondicherry Pollution Control Committee and Local
Administration Department will collectively deal with surface water and ground
water and its conjunctive use.
3.5 The encroachment in all the water courses and water bodies will
be removed.
3.6 The water bodies will be rehabilitated and their storage capacity
will be increased or at least restored to their original capacity.
3.7 The systems will be modernized and the losses will be minimized.
3.8 Recycling and reuse of water will be promoted wherever possible
for alternative usages by appropriate measures.
3.9 Water management in the Irrigation Sector will be improved by
way of adopting modern methods.
3.10 Water shed management will be improved by way of
afforestation, soil conservation and constructing check dams in order to
minimize soil erosion and sedimentation.
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3.11 Augmentation of water resources will be made by way of
creating new tanks, constructing bed dams and regulators across rivers and
canals, desilting of tanks and ponds and also artificial recharging of ground water.
3.12 Rain water harvesting by the individuals and organizations will
be encouraged and has been made mandatory by incorporating necessary
provisions in the Building Byelaws and Zoning Regulations. Rain water
harvesting in commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural sector shall
be improved and strengthened by implementing year-wise monitorable targets
by Puducherry Planning Authority, Agriculture Department and other
Government Agencies.
3.13 Possibilities of utilizing sea water for drinking and industrial
purposes after desalination will be explored.
3.14 The quality of water will be monitored at frequent intervals as
per the legal provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
3.15 Over exploitation of ground water will be prevented through
legal measures through Pondicherry Ground Water Authority.
3.16 Continuous efforts will be taken to protect river banks and
seashore from erosion.
3.17 Economic instruments will be judiciously employed to curb
wasteful use of water.
4. Institutional Mechanism.— 4.1 In order to ensure effective planning
and management of water resources on a hydrological unit basis, alongwith a
multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary and participatory approach as well as
integrating quality, quantity and the environmental aspects, the existing
institutions at various levels handling water resources will be appropriately
reoriented/reorganized in the absence of which even new institution will be
created, if necessary. More importance will be given to the schemes related to
maintenance of water resources and the systems.
4.2 The Ground Water Authority constituted in the Union territory
under the Pondicherry Ground Water (Control and Regulation) Act, 2002
(Act No. 2 of 2003) and Surface Water and Irrigation Division of Public Works
Department will be strengthened with required legal, administrative and financial
support so that the Authority/Irrigation Division will effectively and efficiently
control and regulate the extraction of Ground water/Surface Water in any notified
area, so as to prevent sea water intrusion due to over exploitation of ground
water resources and recharging the surface water. Sea water intrusion causes
serious concern in the Union Territory, posing the threat to the water scarcity
for future generation. All the existing wells will be brought under the control of
the Authority.
4.3 The possibility of creating a new Department known as Water
Resources Department by amalgamation of two agencies under the Government
viz., Public Works Department's Surface Water and Irrigation Division and the
State Ground Water Unit will be worked out and if approved necessary statutory
changes in consultation with Departments concerned will be made in the
applicable laws.
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5. Water Allocation Priorities.— 5.1 In the planning and operation of
systems, water allocation priorities will be broadly as follows:
1. Drinking Water
2. Irrigation
3. Industries
4. Ecology
5. Navigation
6. Power
However, the priorities could be modified or added if, warranted by
the area specific considerations.
6. Project Planning.— 6.1 Water resources development projects will
as far as possible be planned and developed as multi-purpose projects.
Provision for drinking water should be the primary consideration.
6.2 The study of the likelihood of impacts of a project during
constructions and later on human lives settlements, occupations, socio-economic
conditions, environment and other aspects shall form an essential component
of project planning.
6.3 In the process of planning, implementation and operation of a
project the preservation of the quality of environment and ecological balance
should be the primary consideration. The adverse impacts on the environment,
if any, should be minimized and should be set-off by adequate compensatory
measures. The project should be sustainable.
6.4 There should be an integrated approach to the planning,
formulation, clearance and implementation of projects including catchment area
treatment, environmental and ecological aspects, rehabilitation of and
compensation for affected people, command area development, soil erosion,
drainage systems and economy. Special attention will be paid in Project planning
to promote the socio- economic status of disadvantaged groups.
6.5 Time and cost overruns and deficient realization of benefits
characterizing most water related projects should be overcome by upgrading
the quality of project preparation and management. Public Works Department
will define and include target (Year-wise/5 years) based transmission and
distribution losses. Adequate funding of projects should be made available on
priority basis for early completion.
6.6 Participation of beneficiaries and farmers with involvement in all
stages of the project from planning to implementation and also in the operation
and maintenance should be encouraged.
7. Ground Water Development.— 7.1 Since all the four regions are
located in the coastal area, assessment and monitoring of the valuable and
replenishable ground water resources will be undertaken by the State Ground
Water Unit on regular intervals.
7.2 In any water based project preparation, integrated and
co-ordinated development of surface and ground water resources and their
conjunctive use will be envisaged.
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7.3 Areas of ground water resources will be identified and ground
water modeling prepared so that future planning and monitoring could be more
effective and economical.
7.4 Central Ground Water Board will carry out acquifer mapping at
micro level survey to delineate the acquifer systems vertically and horizontally
and also to assess the quantity and quality of ground water.
7.5 Ground water samples will be collected periodically and monitored
for its water quality for contamination, if any.
7.6 Artificial recharging of the ground water resources will be
undertaken wherever possible in a scientific manner and also through
regulations.
8. Rain Water Harvesting.— 8.1 All efforts will be made to store the
surplus rain water in the canals, ravines and rivers by way of constructing small
beddams or regulators.
8.2 In order to increase the utilizable water resources, traditional
water conservation practices of rain water harvesting including roof top rain
water harvesting will be mandated through appropriate regulations and be
practised. Periodic awareness campaign will be carried out by all the related
Departments and Statutory Bodies. State Ground Water Unit will encourage the
creation of Rain Water Harvesting Structures by suitable designed schemes.
8.3 In order to augment the ground water resources, suitable and
appropriate rain water harvesting systems will be designed taking into
consideration the hydrogeology, soil condition, rainfall and run off. All the
public buildings will be provided with roof top rain water harvesting systems.
With respect to roof top rain harvesting system and reuse of waste water,
necessary amendments in the Puducherry Building Bye-laws and Zoning
regulations have already been made by issuing Government Order. Compliance
of rain water harvesting structures in the occupancy certificate would be ensured
by Puducherry Planning Authority before issue. Puducherry Planning Authority
will examine the possibility of amending the Government Order for
non-compliance of rain water harvesting for making it as a compoundable
offence. Fiscal and tariff policy interventions will be made to encourage the
individuals and Institutions for construction of such systems in their own
premises. The unused dug wells and other water bodies will be utilized for the
purpose of harvesting rain water and recharging the ground water through
appropriate schemes.
8.4 In selected areas, erection of farm ponds to store the rain water
and use at the time of scarcity will be encouraged by way of financial assistance.
9. Drinking Water.— 9.1 As the Government is aware that providing
potable, protected and permanent drinking water facilities to the entire
population is its responsibility, irrigation and multipurpose projects will
invariably include a drinking water component wherever there is no alternate
source of drinking water. Drinking water needs of human beings and animals
will be the primary charge of any available water. Assessment of Transmission
and Distribution losses in the distribution of pipelines, water auditing, proposal
to avoid wastage and effective usage, annual Transmission and Distribution
reduction targets and study to identify strategy for reduction of losses during
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transmission shall be carried out by Public Works Department and Local
Administration Department. Periodic tariff increase can be considered and water
pricing to be enhanced by Government.
9.2 There is no scope for constructing mega reservoir in this Union
territory. Hence, water development and augmentation of water resources
through beddams, tail end regulators, new tanks, increasing the storage capacity
of existing tanks and reservoirs will be undertaken for optimum rain water
harvesting to mitigate water scarcity. Conjunctive use of surplus surface water
collected in the tanks and dams alongwith the available ground water will be
explored. Lakes and tanks which have lost their command area may be explored
for recharging and augmenting the drinking water supply in compliance with
statuary norms if any.
9.3 Eventhough, the process of desalination is quite expensive, the
desalination plants may be considered on pilot project basis under proper
monitoring in selected areas where there can be economic and social justification
for the use of such high cost water for industrial and drinking purpose.
10. Irrigation.— 10.1 There is continuous decline in the extent of
irrigated lands due to several reasons such as,
(i) Non-availability of water during the appropriate period.
(ii) Poor maintenance of canals and tanks.
(iii) Urbanization /Industrialization.
By way of rehabilitation of the existing systems, stabilization and
development of command areas, concerted efforts will be made to ensure that
irrigation potential so created is preserved and fully utilized.
10.2 All the surface water bodies should be maintained properly to
ensure the availability of surface water in Union territory of Puducherry.
Possibility of forming a Lake Conservation Development Authority may be
considered. The State and District Irrigation Plan prepared by the Department
of Agriculture may be updated on regular basis.
10.3 New tanks will be created wherever possible for augmentation.
10.4 Improving the irrigability of land, introducing cost-effective
irrigation from all available resources of water and implementation of modern
and appropriate techniques for optimizing water use efficiency will be taken into
account in irrigation planning.
10.5 There will be a close integration of water-use, land-use and
industrial policies.
10.6 Water allocation in an irrigation system will be done with due
regard to equity and social justice. Disparities in the availability of water
between head reach and tail-end farms and between large and small farms will
be obviated by adoption of a rotational water distribution system and supply
of water on a volumetric basis subject to certain ceilings and rational pricing.
The possibility of rational pricing may also be explored.
10.7 As the irrigation sector is consuming the largest quantum of
water resources, scientific water management, farm practices and sprinkle/drip
system of irrigation will be adopted wherever feasible.
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10.8 Reclamation of water logged/saline affected land by scientific
and cost effective methods will be a part of command area development.
10.9 Recycling and reuse of water wherever possible will be
attempted through regulations for augmentation of water resources. This will
include reclaiming of useable water from sewerage after treatment and raising
crops and greening, raising of plantations, etc.
10.10 Based on cropping pattern, crop calendar, method of irrigation,
water budgeting will be framed taking into account the availability, extent of
command and deficit management.
10.11 The use of open wells and village ponds will be encouraged
for rainwater harvesting purposes. The existing open wells will not be allowed
to be filled up or abandoned.
11. Financial and Physical Sustainability.— 11.1 To ensure physical
and financial sustainability of the systems so created, water charges will be
levied atleast to meet out the cost of operation and maintenance at the initial
stage and a part of capital investment subsequently. This is in order to create
awareness among the users on the precious value of the resource and sense of
economy in its use.
11.2 The subsidy on water rates will be discouraged. However,
poorer sections of the society will be well protected by cross subsidizing the
cost.
11.3 For implementing various activities, programmes and projects
the line Departments/Statutory bodies will have to make provisions in their
respective heads of expenditure allocated to the respective Departments/Bodies.
12. Participatory Approach to Water Resources Management.—
12.1 The beneficiaries will be involved in all stages of planning, implementation
and operation and maintenance of the systems. Special efforts will be made for
the provision of participation of women in all the activities. Income generating
activities will be initiated as gender entrepreneurial objective. Water Users
Associations and the Local Bodies will be involved in the management of Water
Bodies and such systems.
13. Private Sector Participation.— 13.1 Private sector participation will
be encouraged in planning, development and management of water resources
projects wherever feasible, as such participation will help in introducing
innovative ideas, generating financial resources and corporate management and
improving service delivery efficiency and accountability to users.
14. Water Quality.— 14.1 Periodical monitoring of both ground and
surface water quality will be invariably carried out. An area based program will
be undertaken for improvements in water quality.
14.2 Discharge of effluent and solid waste into natural streams and
Water Bodies will be monitored so as to ensure that they are treated to the
acceptable norms. Puducherry Pollution Control Committee which carries out
monitoring of quality of ground and surface water through "National Water
Quality Monitoring" will carry out the monitoring of surface water discharge
also. Further, Puducherry Pollution Control Committee will expand its activity
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and widen its scope by carrying out water quality study at various places in
addition to the existing sampling locations. To avoid duplication of work
collection of water samples shall be co-ordinated between Public Works
Department. Agriculture Department and Puducherry Pollution Control
Committee.
14.3 Principle of "polluter pays" will be followed in management of
water resources.
14.4 Necessary Government Orders will be issued for preservation
and protection of Water Bodies thereby preventing encroachment and
deteriorating water quality.
14.5 The State Level Water Quality Review Committee constituted
vide G.O. Ms. No. 6 of LAD & PWD, dated 10-3-2003 will periodically meet and
monitor water quality.
14.6 State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority will
consider water use of the Industry as an important term of reference under
Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.
15. Conservation.— 15.1 Wide awareness will be created that water is
a scarce and precious resource and NOT an ordinary and cheap material.
Conservation consciousness will be promoted through education, regulation,
incentives and disincentives and awareness to all stakeholders through
documentary films by Agriculture Department.
15.2 Efficiency of utilization will be improved through–
(i) Modernization and rehabilitation of systems including tanks.
(ii) On farm development.
(iii) Conjunctive use of surface and ground water.
(iv) Recycling and re-use of water including treated urban sewage
water.
(v) Minimizing evaporation losses from storage.
(vi) Evolving cropping pattern for devising optimal benefit per
unit of water.
(vii) Monitoring and minimizing losses in water distribution in rural
areas by Local Administration Department.
(viii) Water use tariff regime.
(ix) Installation of digital meters in rural areas in all overhead
tanks and bore-wells by Local Administration Department
and Public Works Department.
(x) Rainfall received in the regions of Tamil Nadu that lie in the
west and north-west of Puducherry due to its recharge result
in drinking water for Puducherry Region. Hence, Joint Action
Plan to be worked out with the Government of Tamil Nadu
for growing forestry shall be a long-term plan.
16. Climate Change.— 16.1 Climate change is likely to increase the
variability of water resources thereby affecting human health and livelihoods.
Therefore, adaptation to Climate change is essential to all the four regions of
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the Union territory of Puducherry. Activities identified under water mission of
Climatic change Action Plan will be considered for implementation by Agriculture
Department, Public Works Department and other agencies.
16.2 Climate change may increase the sea levels. This may lead to
salinity intrusion in ground water aquifers/surface Water Bodies and increased
coastal inundation in coastal regions thereby leading to change in agricultural
strategies and cropping patterns.
16.3 Techno aspects and adaptation strategies include increasing
water storage at micro level through soil moisture conservation, reviving and
sustaining of ponds including farm ponds, lakes, tanks and ground water which
provides a mechanism for dealing with increased variability because of Climate
change.
16.4 Land – Soil – Water management from location specific research
and academic institutions to evolve different agricultural strategies and
cropping patterns, reducing soil erosion and improving soil fertility, water shed
management has to be developed.
17. Flood Control and Management.— 17.1 A master plan for flood
control management for each region will be prepared by Public Works
Department in co-ordination with Revenue Department.
17.2 Sound
Watershed Management through extensive soil
conservation. catchments area treatment, preservation and increasing the forest
area will be promoted.
17.3 Construction of check dams which will not only reduce the
intensity of floods but also serve as micro level water storage structures will
be encouraged.
17.4 Adequate flood cushion will be provided in water storage
projects wherever feasible to facilitate better flood management.
17.5 While continuously taking up the physical flood protection
works like embankments and dykes, increased emphasis will be laid on non-
structural measures such as forecasting and warning, flood plain zoning, and
flood proofing for the minimization of losses and to reduce the recurring
expenditure on flood relief.
17.6 There will be strict regulation of settlements and economic
activity in the flood plain zones alongwith flood proofing to minimize the loss
of life and property on account of floods.
17.7 The flood forecasting will be modernized, value added and
extended to other uncovered areas. Flood forecasting will be instituted for their
effective regulation.
18. Land Erosion by Sea or River.— 18.1 A Comprehensive Coastal
Zone Management Plan keeping in view the environmental and ecological impact
will be prepared to regulate the developmental activities in conformity with the
Coastal Regulation Zone-2011 issued by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests.
18.2 Indiscriminate occupation and exploitation of coastal strips of
land will be discouraged.
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18.3 All economic activities in areas adjacent to the sea will be
regulated.
18.4 Considering the density of Coastal population and its
vulnerability to the elements of nature, adequate measure will be taken to
safeguard the safety interest of the inhabitants.
18.5 River bank protection measures will be taken.
19. Drought Prone Area Development.— 19.1 Failure of monsoon is
also a recurring event of nature in the territory causing severe drought. Drought-
prone areas should be made less vulnerable to drought associated problems
through soil moisture conservation measures, water harvesting practices,
minimization of evaporation losses, development of ground water potential
including recharging and the transfer of surface water from surplus areas where
feasible and appropriate. Pastures, forestry or other mode of development which
are relatively less water demanding should be encouraged. In planning of water
resource development projects, the needs of drought-prone areas should be
given priority. Forecasting about droughts and appropriate adaptation
programme shall be communicated to farming and its allied sector. Subsidy for
deepening of wells shall be provided by the Agriculture Department at the time
of drought.
19.2 Relief works undertaken for providing employment to drought-
stricken population should preferably be for drought-proofing.
20.
Monitoring of Projects.— 20.1 A close monitoring of all related
projects to identify bottlenecks and to adopt timely measures to obviate time
and cost overrun should form part of planning and execution. A Steering
Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary can be constituted to
monitor the projects implemented under Water Policy at quarterly intervals.
20.2 There will be a system to monitor and evaluate the performance
and socio-economic impact of the project through professional and other
suitable Institutions/Agencies.
21. Performance Improvement.— 21.1 Greater emphasis will be laid on
the improvement of performance of the existing systems than on creation of
and expansion of infrastructures for diverse uses.
21.2 Priority will be given to the needs of development, operation
and maintenance of the systems while allocating funds under water resources
sector.
22. Maintenance and Modernization.— 22.1 The age-old systems
and the new assets created viz., Renewable energy/Solar operational pumping/
gadgets will be properly maintained. Adequate funds will be provided every year
for maintenance.
22.2 There will be a regular monitoring of structures and systems and
necessary rehabilitation will be undertaken on priority by the Government.
22.3 Modernization with modification of structures, construction of
new regulatory structures, lining of stretches where losses are heavy,
strengthening of bunds, increasing storage capacity, interlinking channels
enabling integrated system operation, bank protection, improving the drainage
system on farm development will be undertaken.
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22.4 Water Users Associations with authority and responsibility have
to be constituted to facilitate the management including operation and
maintenance of irrigation and distribution systems within their jurisdiction in a
time-bound manner.
23. Science, Technology and Environment.— 23.1 For effective and
economical management of our water resources, the frontiers of knowledge need
to be pushed forward in several directions by intensifying research efforts in
various areas.
23.2 The Department of Science, Technology and Environment,
Government of Puducherry will encourage research by funding relevant need
based projects in the core areas as applicable.
24. Training.— 24.1 A perspective plan for standardized training will
be an integral part of water resource development. It will cover training in
information systems, sectoral planning, project planning and formulation,
project management, operation of projects and their physical structures and
systems and the management of water distribution systems. The training will
extend to all categories of personnel involved in these activities as also to the
farmers.
25. Conclusion.— 25.1 The world can never exist without water as
rightly appreciated by Thiruvalluar in the Kural "Neerindri Amaiyadhu Ulagu".
The resource is scarce and limited. But, the demand for water is increasing day
by day. Taking into account the vital importance of water for all living creatures,
for preserving ecological balance and for economic and developmental activities
of all kinds, and also considering its increasing scarcity, the planning and
management of water resources and its optimal, economical and equitable use
has become a matter of utmost urgency. Community participation in planning,
implementation and management will be encouraged for achieving the desired
objectives of the water policy successfully. A time-bound operational action plan
will be formulated. The water policy may be reviewed and revised periodically
as and when need arises.
————
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