Rural drinking water supply

should water be shifted to concurrent list?

·        What is current position?

o  Water per se is under state list

o  But in matters related to inter state river regulation and development , it is under union list

§ This allows center to pass laws to regulate inter state rivers

§ Under this provision river boards act 1956 was passed

o  The river board act provides for establishment of river boards for inter state rivers. But so far no such board has been setup

·        So ideally center can take control of inter state rivers but it hasn’t done so coz of political reasons

Why under concurrent list?

·        Consttn makers considered water as only rivers
and irrigation. They ddidn’t consider groundwater, aquifers, wetlands

·        In context of a growing threat of water scarcity, increased depletion og aquifers, there is a need for national level coordinated intiative

·        Also in view of cliamte change, it calls for
international cooperation in water management. This will require that water be
under central government

·        Hence there is a need for putting water under
concurrent list

sensible use of water

·         Groundwater use is overexploited in PJB, HR, RJ and Delhi

·         In this region ground water level reduces by 4 cm every year

·         Over 90% of ground water is used for agriculture

·         This unfettered use of ground water has led to unsustainable agriculture like growing of paddy even in rain starved areas

Cause

·         Free or subsidised power

·         Free ground water use

WAY AHEAD

·         Water is a state subject

o   it is critical for ensuring nation’s food security

o   hence it should be brought under concurrent list

·         Electricity should not be given free

o   A cess should be levied one lectricity used for drawing ground water for famring purposes

o   Ban free or subsidised power

§  Free power has led to loss of 35% of power and 1% of GDP