| Pub. Date | : Jan, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Product Name | : The IUP Law Review |
| Product Type | : Article |
| Product Code | : IUPLR30120 |
| Author Name | :Astha Srivastava |
| Availability | : YES |
| Subject/Domain | : Law |
| Download Format | : PDF Format |
| No. of Pages | : 08 |
In recent years, India has witnessed unprecedented stress on its water resources, and the scarcity of usable water has drawn considerable attention. The problem of scarcity is exacerbated by widespread pollution of water bodies that renders even the available water resources unfit for use. Past experience, internationally and in India, has demonstrated that water resources are best managed at the local level with a watershed-based approach and involvement of local communities. Therefore, institutions of local self-government like the Panchayati Raj Institutions in rural areas and Municipal Councils in urban areas can play a central role in management of water resources. The local self-government bodies in India have indeed been vested with the responsibility of management of water resources under the constitutional scheme. However, the impact of these institutions on water resources management has been miniscule and unsatisfactory, and so is their involvement in centrally-sponsored schemes in this field. This paper discusses the facts stated above and builds a case for better involvement of local bodies in water resource management.
Water is an essential and indispensable resource for human, animal and plant life. The existence of biosphere cannot be imagined without water. Such is its link to life that scientists search for traces of water on celestial bodies to determine if life can exist on them. Our earth, the blue planet, faces severe water crisis today. Water resources have been rendered inconsumable for several purposes. Preservation of the purity of water has taken center-stage. These ‘water debates’ have drawn the attention of the administrators all over the world. Improvements in water resources management and access to water supply and sanitation services are essential for addressing various social and economic inequities, such that 'no one is left behind' when it comes to enjoying the multiple benefits and opportunities that water provides.