Centre working on water management guidelines for states

With some parts of the country facing acute water crisis, the government is likely to come out soon with a model Bill which will lay down guidelines for states on efficient management of the valuable resource by ensuring its storage.

The Bill is being drafted taking into account opinions of various stakeholders and it is likely to be finalised by May 15, Union Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar said here on Sunday. "Drafting of the legislation is already on and the work is expected to be completed by May 15. This is a framework law. It is not mandatory for states to adhere to it. (Water being a state subject,) states follow their own laws...

"But given the present water crisis, the country needs to follow some common practices to manage water. The Bill will be of help in this regard," Shekhar said.