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Social and Environmental Issues :
Effect of long term misuse of water resource is gradual, whether rise of water
table due to excess irrigation/canal seepage or over development of
groundwater and is often irreversible. Remedial resources like reclamation of
'user land' or 'saline' land or artificial recharge to stop groundwater over
exploitation also need a very long term action, often so expensive as to warrant
its continuation over a long period of time. The present century needs to
address such difficult situation without causing environmental degradation. In
the industrial sector, untreated effluents join the nearby streams, rivers causing
health hazards. Keeping aside the small industries, only 59% of large, medium
industries have effluent treat plants (ETP) in India. Situation may be worse in
other developing countries includingAfrican countries. In big cities, pure potable
water is available but will become scarce day by day. Most or all of the rural
villages, treated piped water is not available.
Water quality management and its monitoring will be extremely important in the
present century. This may need expertise, proper equipments and huge
expenditure. This appears to be insignificant to-day, but to-morrow it may take a
major share in annual budgets of all Governments.
Legal Issues
In England and Wales, river basin authorities have overriding powers over local
administrative authorities. France, Germany and Canada also follow river basin
management and its authorities have powers over sharing of water within the
country. USA, being guided by Environmental Protection Act, the federal
authority over water is restricted to consultative process including examination
of environmental issues. But major inter state rivers have come under river
basin planning commissions and major inter state share of water is by
agreement between states recognized under law. In India, water being a state
subject under the constitution, Government of India, at the apex level play an
advisory role. Two acts have provided some mechanisms to tackle inter-state
water issues. The River Boards Act of 1956 gives Govt. of India the authority to
set up river board for any inter state dispute. Inter-state Disputes Act, 1956
empowers Govt. of India to refer the dispute to a tribunal for adjudication.
