All States and Union Territories have been asked to consider setting up State Water Missions to promote integrated water management as well as conservation.

Opposition to overarching legal framework of principles on water

A conference of Water Resources and Irrigation Ministers here on Wednesday saw opposition to the Centre’s proposal to evolve an overarching national legal framework of principles on water, to link financial assistance to “aggressive” water sector reforms and to set up a Permanent Forum of Water Resources and Irrigation Ministers to deliberate on issues/disputes.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Comprehensive Mission Document of the National Water Mission.

T. N. Narasimhan

India's recently announced Water Mission provides a rare opportunity for informed public debate to formulate a national water policy to unify the country in equitable use of the vital resource.

A revised draft for National Water Mission (NWM) that provides a major thrust on water management plan has gone to Prime Ministers Office for final clearance.