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Central Pollution Control Board in India monitor the quality of water, whether in
river basin, or polluting industries and formulates Minimum National Standards
(MINAS) for enforcement through State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution
Control Committees in Union territories. The Board also acts as an arm for
Environment and Forest Protection Act, by providing data on quality of water for
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and EMP (Environment Management
Plan).
This will again be reflected in the pricing policy of water. Israel has taken
conscious step not only pricing as an instrument for water management but
also directs sewage water for use in agriculture.
Conclusion
Water is all pervasive in the social fabric of mankind. Scarcity of water will affect
rich and poor. Pollution does not make any difference to the social status.
Irrigation, an instrument to alleviate poverty, can also be an instrument of social
conflict. Water Resources Management, thus need participation of people at all
level. World Water Day, celebrated at big cities may not help the poor farmer.
A massive awareness at the grass root level with appropriate policy and fund
can be the beginning of a new era to combat water scarcity.
