The major objectives of this policy are to: adopt integrated and multi-sectoral approach for planning, development and management of water resources; consider micro watersheds as the basic unit for the conservation and optimal utilization of water resources for achieving resources sustainability; integrate the problems and prospects of water resource systems by considering river basin as the basic unit; emphasize the importance of comprehensive watershed conservation and management plan, water quality management plan, long-term sub-basin and river basin operation and monitoring plan and state water resource plan; and enable appropriate institutional mechanism and legal measures for sustainable water resource development and management.