‘Unreliable water supply system could cause social unrest’

CSC to examine State Water Policy NL Correspondent SRINAGAR: A six member cabinet sub-committee be examine the proposal of J&K water policy, which says “unreliable” water supply system has the potential of causing “social unrest” in the state.
It was framed in the backdrop of the cabinet decision to examine the draft to make the policy more comprehensive.
It has been tasked to submit its report within a period of one month.
“Rapid growth in demand for water due to population growth, urbanization and changing lifestyle pose serious challenges to water security,” it reads.
It states that access to safe water for drinking and other domestic needs, continues to be a problem in many areas.
The draft of the policy says that public agencies in charge of taking water related decisions tend to take these on their own without consultation with stakeholders, often resulting in “poor and unreliable service characterized by inequities of various kinds”.
The draft also stresses on preparation of the master plan for the flood-prone areas, and called for various measures to protect the valley from floods in future.
“Measures to establish the extensive networks for flood forecasting to give timely warnings to the people likely to be effected shall also be outlined.
A roadmap for determination of the limits of the flood basins and the necessary exercises to be carried out shall be prepared,” it reads.
The State had enacted Jammu and Kashmir State Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act for regulating water resources, ensuring judicious, equitable and sustainable management, allocation and utilization of water resources and fixing the rates for use of water in 2010.

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