State Water Policy of Assam (Draft), 2007

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 GOVERNMENT OF ASSAM

STATE WATER POLICY OF ASSAM

(DRAFT)

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Draft prepared by

ASSAM SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL

U.N. BEZBARUAH ROAD : SILPUKHURI
GUWAHATI - 781003
 STATE WATER POLICY OF ASSAM
(DRAFT)

1. PREAMBLE

Water is a natural resource , fundamental need of living being and invaluable

national wealth . Planning , development and management of water resources
need to be governed by national perspectives . Under the constitution , water
resource is primarily a 'State Subject', with legislatio n and administration
substantially framed within the context of State boundaries. In the developmental
planning of any State, water is a decisive and multifaceted component. For
environmental balance, skilful and planned management for all types of
developmental activities, economic use on the equitable basis and in view of the
prime importance of water for all human and other living beings, an effective and
sound water policy, which is responsive to the State's future needs, is necessary.
The State Water Policy of Assam is prescribed in accordance to the guidelines
and general directions in the National Water Policy - 2002, keeping in view the
specific necessity for the State of Assam. In view of the inter-State water
disputes, the State Water Policy has specific importance . The Policy envisages a
long-term water resource management program designed to develop a critical
mass of indigenous productivity with the requisite technical , economic and socio-
cultural means for sustainable development.

2. VISION SATEMENT

The vision of the State Water Policy of Assam is to make every subject of the
State water-secured on a sustainable basis.

3. APPROACH

The approach to achieve this vision is a holistic management of water as a

resource through decentralized but coordinated planning of water resources . A
nodal agency and an administrative mechanism will take an overall view of water
sector instead of the current fragmented approach .

4 . STRATEGY

The State Water Policy of Assam adopts integrated water resource management
as a core strategy, based on the principles of water as a finite resource, need to
use a participatory approach, the crucial role of men and women, ensuring clean
water for human health and looking at water both as an economic and social
good . The first priority in the strategy would , however, be development of a
systematic knowledge base to examine the current understanding of integrated
freshwater management quantitatively and qualitatively.
STATE WATER POLICY OF ASSAM - 2007
(DRAFT)

CONTENTS

1. Preamble

2. Vision statement

3. Approach

4. Strategy

5. Geographical Profile of Assam

6. Overview of Water Resources

6.1 Rainfall
6 .2 Surface W ater Availa bility
6 .3 Groundwater A vailability

7. Policy Objectives

8. Policy Initiatives

8.1 De mand Management, Conservation and Efficiency of Utilization

8.2 Integrated Planning for Maximizing W ater Usability
8.3 Vater All ocation for Various Uses
8.4 Drinking Water and Water for Domestic Use
8.5 Rive r Life
8.6 Wetlands and Water Bodies
8.7 Pollution and Environment
8.8 Watershed Areas Man agement
8.9 Flood Management and Drainage
8.10 Control of Erosion
8.11 Irrigation
8.12 Hydropower
8.13 Industry and Thermal Power
8.14 Groundwater Management
8.15 Fisheries Management and Aqua culture
8.16 Navigation , Water Tourism and Recreation
8.17 Resettlement and Rehabilitation
9. Action Program

9.1 Partnership with Communities in Water Resources Management

9.2 Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring
9.3 Financing Projects and Water Service Charges
9.4 Project Implementation and Monitoring
9.5 Safety
9.6 Disaster Management
9.7 Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation
9.8 Legislation and Regulation
9.9 Training , Research and Science & Technology
9.10 Water Literacy and Awareness Generation

10. Regional Cooperation

11 . Strategic Administrative Initiatives and Institutional Mechanisms

11.1 State Water Resources Board/Council

11.2State Water Resources development Authority
11.3State Water Resources Data & Information Centre

12. Conclusions

Acknowledgement of References
 -2-

5. GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE OF ASSAM

Assam , located in the tropical latitudes (24°08'N & 27°59'N ) and eastern
longitudes (89°42'E & 96 °01 'E ), is the most populous State in the North-East
India covering an area of 78 , 523 sq . km . It is surrounded on three sides by hills
and mountains w ith boundaries w ith Arunachal Pradesh , Nagaland , Manipur,
Mizoram, Meghalaya , West Bengal , Bangladesh and Bhutan . The State of
Assam consists of 27 districts for administration . The geology has endowed the
State with many hills and rivers . These have tremendous infl uence on the soil
quality, drainage pattem , land-use , vegetation pattern , population pattern ,
culture, etc.

The State can be divided into three distinctive geographic parts . T he fi rst one
being the long and comparatively long and narrow Brahmaputra valley or Assam
valley. The river Brahmaputra flows from east to west for about 700 km w ith in the
State and has great ro le in the land formation , hydrology, ecolog y, population
distribution , cultu re an d economy of the valley and the State. The Bar ak , another
largest river of the State has created the Barak Valley in the southern end of the
State. Barail range and Karbi Plateau has separated these two river sys tems.

6. OVERVIEW OF WATER RESOURCES

6.1 Rainfall

Bulk of the wa ter in the State, both surface and groundwater is obtained from
rainfall. Assam experiences the predominant influence of the south-west tropica l
monsoon wh ich re igns from April to October w ith occasional w inter showers. The
low clouds of the southwest monsoon after being interce pted by the N.C. Hill
range and Naga Patkai ran ge, cause heavy rainfall in the southe rn part of Assa m
and precipitate in the Brahmaputra va lley; their intensity incr easing toward s the
foothills of the Himalayas. The approach of the monsoon is marked by strong
winds, overcast sk ies and occasional thunder showers, hailstorm and cyclones
during April and May and it starts its full play of heavy showers from June. The
average annual rai nfall in the State varies from 1780 to 3050 mm .

6.2 Surface Water Availability

Water resources of the State as a whole are substantial. About 82 5 1 sq km ,

which is 10 .5% of the tota l geographical area of the State, is occupied by surface
water bodies. Of this about 6503 sq km is occupied by the river systems
including the mighty Brahmaputra and 1748 sq km by natura l wetlands includi ng
seasonal and permanent waterlogged and marshy areas an d m an-made
 -3-

reservoirs and tanks of size more than 2 .5 ha. In add ition there are innumerable
tanks and ponds, mostly man-made, which are smaller than 2.5 ha in size. The
total surface water resources of the State is estimated at about 600 billion cubic
metre.

6.3 Groundwater Availability

As per "Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India - 2004", prepared by Central

Ground Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India , the Annual
Replenishable Groundwater Resource of the State has been estimated as 27 .23
billion cubic metre and Net Annua l G roundwater Ava ilability 24.89 billion cub ic
metre. The Annual Groundwater Draft is estimated as 5.44 billion cubic metre of
which 4.85 billion cubic metre is for irrigation and 0.59 billion cubic metre is for
domestic and industrial uses. The overall Stage of Groundwater Development in
the State is 22% - with the lowest figure of 2% in Cachar District and highest 56%
in Bongaigaon District - and has been categorized as 'safe'.

7. POLICY OBJECTIVES

Having realized the need for fo rmulatio n of a State Water Policy the bro ad
objectives of the State Water Po licy of Assam are :

(a) To ensure preservation of all wa ter resou rces and to optimize the
utilization
- - .- of the available resources .
(b) Development of all utilizable water resources , including surface water,
groundwater and wastewater, to the maximum possible extent for optimal
economic development and socia l we ll-being .
(c) To ma intain water quality , both surface and underground , to established
norms and standards.
(d) To bring about qualitative improvement in water resource management
with inclusion of users' participation and decentralization of authority.
(e) To promote formulation of integrated and multidisciplinary projects as fa r
as and whenever and wherever possible on the concept of basin or sub-
basin , treating both surface and groundwater as a un itary resource fo r the
following ma in uses:

• Drinking water and water fo r domestic use.

• Water for irrigation .
• Hydro power generation within the constraints imposed by others .
• Water for industries including agro-based ind ustries.
• Water for recreation, health , navigatio n and other uses.
 -4-

(f) Jud icious and economically sound allocation of water resources to

different sectors, with drinking water supply as the first priority.
(g) To optimize utilization of water resources to maximum production in all
user sectors.
(h) To emphasize and facilitate rainwater harvesting and recharging of
groundwater aquifers.
(i) To ensure ecological and environmental balance while developing water
resources by minimizing adverse impacts of water resources development
on the natural environment and on population affected by implementation
of projects.
(j) To ensure flood management and dra inage as integral part of water
resource development as well as to assure minimal supplies during
drought and drought-like situations.
(k) To ensure self-sustainability in water resource development.
(I) To promote beneficiaries' participation in all aspects of water planning and
management.
(m) To motivate and encourage water conservation through appropriate and
socially acceptable water rates , introduction of water-saving devices and
practices in all sectors.
(n) To generate water literacy and awareness among all users and user
sectors.
(0) To advance sc ientific and technological level of all personnel in the water
sector through intensification of applied research, technology transfer,
traini ng and education .
(p) To ensure we ll coord inated and efficient decision making, planning,
design, execution and operation and maintenance activities .
(q) To facilitate private initiative in development, operation and management
of water resources projects.
(r) To provide a substantive legal framework for management of water
resources .
(s) To provide a Management Information System for effective monitoring of
policy implementation.
(t) To provide a mechanism for the resolution of conflicts between various
users.
 -5-

8. POLICY INITIATIVES
8.1 Demand Management, Conservation and Efficiency of Utilization

The efficiency of utilization in all the diverse uses of wate r wou ld be improved
and an awareness of water as a scarce resource would be fostered .
'Conservation Consciousness' would be promoted through education , regulation ,
incentives and disincentives in the following ways in different sectors.

Domestic Sector:

• Introduction of domestic water saving device.

• Water meters on all consumers/group of consumers .

• Progressive water tariff structure.

• Auditing of water balance on each distribution system .

• Piping out separately the sewage and other domestic use to be treated ,

recycled and reused .

Industrial Sector:

• Progress ive water tariff.

• Water recycling facil ities .

• Treated urban sewage water for cooling and other processes.

Agriculture Sector:

• Water rates on VOlumetric basis would be pegged at an appropriate level

to yield enough revenue for maintenance costs.

• Improvement in irrigation practices and reduction of water losses .

• Introduction of pressure irrigation system .

• Treated sewage water for non-edible crops wherever possible .

River Management for each Basinlsub-basin:

• Afforestation and soi l conservation .

• Livestock management.
 -6-

• Treatment before disposal of sewage.

• Prevention of pollution from agriculture use through use of bio-fertilizers

and bio-pesticides.

8.2 Integrated Planning for Maximizing Water Usability

8.2.1 Water resources planning, development and management will be carried

out adopting an integrated approach for a hydrological unit such as a river
basin as a whole, or for a sub-basin, or for a watershed, multi-sectorally,
conjunctively for surface and ground water and rainfall taking into account
quantity, quality and environmental considerations. Because water in each
such unit including rainfall , groundwater and surface water with storages
in various structures, wetlands, etc. of all sizes can be used many times
over for various purposes if planned, developed, operated and managed
in an integrated manner.

8.2.2 All individual development projects and investment proposals will be

formulated and considered within the framework. of river or sub-basin plan
or watershed plan so that the best possible combination of options can be
made and sustained for poverty alleviation, increased productivity and
incomes, equity, reduced vulnerability to natural and economic risks and
costs.

8.2.3 Water allocation and planning will be done adopting a demand

management approach.

8.2.4 Conservation through demand management, recycling and reuse after

treatment, improvement of irrigation efficiency, and inter-basin transfers
when needed will be considered among the steps needed to increase the
availability of utilizable water.

8.2 .5 Water would be made available to water-short areas by transfer from other
areas including inter-basin transfer after taking into account the
requirements of the areaslbasins.

8.2.6 The integrated approach of development planning will include catchment

area treatment and management, environmental and ecological aspects,
the rehabilitation of affected people and command area development.

8.2.7 Study of the impact of a project during construction and later, on human
lives, settlements, occupations, socio-economic environment and other
aspects will be an essential component of project planning . All projects
 -7-

would make the Environmental Impact Assessment, the So cial Impact

Assessment and Cost BenefIt Analysis and will be open for public scrutiny
and would examine alternate options before coming to a conclusion about
the most appropriate strategy. Environmental Management Plan and
compensatory actions would also be considered and would be made open
to public discussion to ensure public participation in implementation and
subsequent ma intenance.

8.3 Water Allocation for Various Uses

In the planning and operation of the systems, water allocation priorities

wo uld be broadly as follows:

• Drinking and domestic use.

• Sustaining livelihoods - aquaculture , cottage ind ustries.
• Sustaining environment, maintaining river systems , wetland
systems and aquatic life.
• Irrigation and hydropower.
• Agro-based and rural industries.
• Thermal power and industries.
• Recreation and religious uses.
• Navigation and other uses.

Priorities can, however, be modified or added if warranted by the loca l area

specifi c considerations.

8.4 Drinking Water and Water for Domestic Use

Adequate drinking water facilities would be provided to the entire population

of the State both in urban and in rural areas. Irrigation and multipurpose
projects would invariably include drinking and domestic water components to
supplement loca lly developed sources. Drinking water needs of human
be ings and animals would be the first charge on any available water. The
community would have the first right to use rai nfall directly, store and
recharge groundwater wherever possible.

Water would be allocated on per head basis . The standard with reg ard to
water allocated per capita for drinking and domestic use wou ld be calculated
scientifIcally and would be the same for rura l and urban areas.
 -8-

8.5 River Life

A minimum good quality water flow would be ensured at all times as requ ired
for the life of the river and for sustaining livelihoods. This would incl ude the
allocation of water for various purposes including conserving the
environment, supporting livelihood based on aquatic life and other uses of
water, recreation , cultural activities like bathing and festivities . The
requirement of water for these various purposes would be calculated
scientifically.

8.6 Wetlands and Water Bodies

The structures of natural and traditional wetlands and wate r bod ies , like
beefs, tanks, ponds etc., would be restored , maintained and used properly
through adequate and scientifically prepared management action plans.
Water bodies with in the Reserved Forests, National Parks etc., would also be
included within the ambit of forest and environment policies . A ll these wate r
bodies would not be allowed to be encroached upon for any other land use.

8.7 Pollution and Environment

8.7.1 In project planning , impleme ntation and operation , the preservation of the
quality of the environment and the ecological balance wou ld be a primary
consideration. Advers e impact , if any , on the environment would be
minim ized and off-se t by adequate compensatory measures . Effluents w ill
be treated/made to be treated to acceptable levels and sta nda rds before
discharging them in natural streams and other bodies . Deta ils of all
effluents generated .by each industry or urban area would be mai ntained
as a database in the State Water Resources Information System , the
State Pollution Control Board and local administration and would be made
available to the public.

8.7.2 Necessary leg islation would be made for the preservation of the existing
water bodies by preventing encroachment and deterioration of water
quality. A list of defaulters in this regard with the extent of area under
encroachment wou ld be prepared and published annually by the State
Pollution Control Board so that the social and legal pressure ca n be
brought to bear on the defaulters.
 - 9-

8.8 Watershed Areas Management

8.8.1 Watershed management and minor irrigation projects would be allowed

and encouraged to be developed in tribal and hill areas by the local
communities, with technical and financial help from the government and
NGOs. Special efforts will be made to investigate and formulate projects in
areas inhabited by tribal and other specifically disadvantaged groups like
scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. A lower benefit-cost ratio would
be acceptable for such areas.

8.8.2 The planning of projects in hilly areas would take into account the need to
provide assured drinking water, possibilities of mini- and micro-hydel
development and the proper approach to irrigation in such areas. In the
context of physical features and constraints such as steep slopes, rapid
run-off, soil erosion and eco-fragility of hilly areas, the benefit-cost ratio of
projects in such areas would be made acceptable even at a lower figure .

8.9 Flood Management and Drainage

Floods are the unfailing feature of the State . Almost every year the State
experiences floods . Added with flood , problem of erosion assumes serious
proportions.

8.9.1 Insurance against floods requires local action as well as national

coordination . It is realized that floods and the ir negative consequences
can only be managed, they cannot be controlled . The seasonal floods in
the State are largely a consequence of the concentration of heavy rainfall
within a period of few days/weeks during the monsoon months and low
flows . The flood management policy within the State Water Policy would
recognize this fact and would begin with the premise that people are
prepared to live with the floods in ways that are least disruptive and
harmful to them.

8.9.2 Flood protection would be considered as an essential component while

planning water resources of a basin , or sub-basin , or watershed.

8.9.3 A number of systematic measures, that would include the adoption of

suitable policies, operational and managerial steps, disaster
preparedness, flood forecasting , ecological measures and international
river water sharing agreements, would be taken to deal with floods in such
a way that their intensity is moderated and negative consequences on
flood-prone populations are minimized . The planning for flood
 - 10 -

management would be done in a holistic manner so that the needs d uring

the non-flood season are also taken care of.

8.9.4 Measures fo r Flood Management:

• There would be a master plan for flood control and management for
each flood-prone area.
• Where flood control is one of the key purposes of multi-purpose
dams, it would be ensured that that the dam intercepts significantly
in the catchment/drainage above the affected area . Wherever dams
and reservoirs exist or contemplated for multi-purpose benefits,
flood management would be integ rated among its purposes. In
highly flood prone areas, flood management would be given
overriding consideration in reservoir policy even at the cost of
sacrificing some irrigation or power benefits.
• While physical flood protection works like embankments and dykes
may be necessary, increased emphasis would be laid on no n-
physical measures such as flood forecasting and warning , flood -
plain zoning and flood proofing, for minimization of losses so as to
reduce the recurring expenditure on flood relief.
• Land-use regulation would be integrated with flood-pla in zoning to
avo id inappropriate land-use in flood-pla ins and other flood -prone
areas and consequent damages and relief costs in the lo ng run.
Flood prone areas would be demarcated at different probability
levels and appropriate development measures and economic
act ivities would be devised for flood prone areas.
• Unabated encroachment in the flood plains and riverbeds as also
culti vation in riverbeds and drainage courses during the flood
period would be prevented .
• Watershed management through extensive so il conservation
measures, such as check dams, contour trenches etc., preservatio n
of forests , increasing the forest cover, etc. wou ld be promoted to
reduce the intensity of floods . The traditional flood management
systems of respective flood prone areas wo uld be revitalized ,
ma inta ined , revived and encouraged . Thus the government pol icy
would build on people's resolve to live with floods and aim at
dealing with floods so as to minimize losses and hardship wh ile
obtaining certain benefits.
• Construction of embankments would be cons idered only after
careful detailed studies and investigations as a part of a package.
Regular and adequate maintenance of embankments would be
ensured w ith the involvement of people. In ex isting embankments
 - 11 -

arrangements for adequate drainage of the area behind would be

made through appropriately located sluices.
• Development works such as roads , railways and housing
construction would take into account natural waterways and
adequate natural drainage would be provided without creating an
afflux upstream .

8.9.5 Drainage

Due considerations to provide proper drainage would be given

• To get rid of bad quality water from sewage and industrially used
water. This can be avoided by treating the water and then reusing .
• To recover land area from water logging and make it fit for variou s
uses. Wetlands and other water bodies, both natural and man-
made, would be used without reclaiming these for land-use witho ut
water. These would be used for aquaculture, recharge of
groundwater, maintaining ecology, etc.
• To get rid of excess water during monsoon season due to sudden
heavy rainfall.
• To moderate the intensity of flood .

8.10 Control of Erosion

Land erosion, river bank erosion in particular, is prevalent in Assam du e to

the dynamic nature of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries resulting in
changing pattern of channel configuration, frequent shifting of river banks
leading to breaching embankments, disrupting road-rail communication
and heavy bank erosion at places along the courses bringing good
agricultural land and human habitation in its folds .

In fact, erosion scenario has throttled the basic economic development of

the State. Different from most other rivers , river bank erosion along the
Brahmaputra River is a severe all-year-round phenomenon and not limited
to the flood period alone .

Since 1954 to 2004 a total area of 386 thousand ha has been eroded , at
an average rate of about 8000 ha per year. This accounts for about 7 per
cent of the total geographical area of the plain districts of Assam . Effect of
river erosion was moderate to severe in 130 reaches while 25 were most
severely affected . About 90 ,700 families of 2534 villages and 18 oil
installationsltea gardens/important towns/heritage sites were brutally
affected due to erosion w ith in th is period .
 - 12 -

The socio-economic impact of river bank protection is considered positive

as it reduces vulnerability to erosion and flood damages. Specifically
poorer section of the society is more affected by such disasters and they
need more time to recover. Large scale bank stabilization, therefore, is
expected to have a direct impact on poverty reduction . Overall, a more
stable environment with reduced vulnerability encourages economic
development which has the potential to further reduce poverty.

8.10.1 The erosion of land by river waters and storm waters would be minimized
by suitable cost-effective measures.

8.10.2 By making the widest possible use of biological measures, endeavours

would be made wherever possible to employ natural erosion control
measures suited to the landscape. Control of this type would be oriented
towards restoring the natural balance of solid matter in the given
ecosystem and would constitute positive environmental action .

8.10.3 Physical erosion control aimed at directly safeguarding or protecting the

existing infrastructure and which may allow beneficial environmental
impacts would also be employed .

8.10.4 For ensuring safe discharge of water and preventing bank collapses,
scour, etc. , preference would be give n to biotechnical or combined
controlling measures wherever poss ible. Endeavours would be made to
employ biotechnical stabilization in the form of a combination of natural
building materials, building methods and plant cover.

8.10.5 Attention would be given to causes situated elsewhere in a watershed that

. constitute the triggering factors for erosion:

8.10.6 All requisite steps to ensure that indiscriminate occupation and

exploitation of river strips of land are discouraged and that the location of
economic activities in areas adjacent to rivers , especially in the erosion
prone areas, is regulated.

8.11 Irrigation

8.11.1 Irrigation planning either in an individual project, or in a basin , or in a sub-

basin, or in a watershed area as a whole , would take into account the
irrigability of land, cost effective irrigation options possible from all
available sources, including traditional ones , if any. The irrigation intensity
would be such as to extend the benefits of irrigation to as large a number
of farm families as possible, keeping in view the need to maximize
 - 13 -

production and providing minimum sustainable income above the poverty

level. Irrigation efficiency in irrigation projects would be improved to the
maximum achievable .

8.11 .2 Water allocation in an irrigation system would be done with due regard to
equity and social justice . Disparities between head-reach and tail-end
farms and between large and small farms would be obviated by adoption
of a rotational water distribution system and supply of water on a
volumetric basis to Water Users' Associations ryvUAs) subject to certain
ceilings. WUAs would have an important role to play in managing
distribution , maintenance and recovery of service charges .

8.11.3 Emphasis would be given in completion of the already started projects and
on modernization , up-gradation and improvement of existing projects .

8.12 Hydropower

8.12.1 In hydropower sector efforts would be made to accelerate the process of

planning, development and establishment of new projects so that the
available water resource are put to optimal use, especially by taking up
multipurpose projects.

8.12.2 Micro-, Mini- and Small-Hydro schemes, up to 20 MW, which involve

negligible storage, no considerable negative environmental impacts and
no resettlement and rehabilitation problems would be encouraged .

8.12.3 Private Sector Participation in establishing rnicro-, mini- and small-hydro

schemes would be encouraged within the ambit of Small Hydro Power
Policy of Assam .

8.12.4 Planning of micro-, mini- and small-hydro development projects would

take into account the need to provide assured drinking water and the
proper approach to irrigation in nearby areas in addition to power
generation .

8.13 Industry and Thermal Power

8.13.1In order to meet the present and future requirements of the industry and
thermal power sectors , the allocation of water resources would
accommodate these requirements so that industrial development and
power generation do not suffer on this account.
 - 14 -

8.13.2 Thermal power houses and industries with heavy use of water would, have
to be located on the banks of rivers . They shall be required to meet the
development cost and its maintenance along with the cost of water wh ich
shall be fixed from time to time. They would be encouraged to adopt
processes with minimum use of water, recycle and reuse and discharge
only treated and cooled water into the river to maintain its ecology.

8.14 Groundwater Management

8.14 .1 The first right to groundwater would be to the concerned community and
not to an individual on land -ownership basis . The respective community
organizations would have the right to inspect and monitor the use of
groundwater by private landowners to ensure that groundwater beyond
permissible limits is not being withdrawn . Diversion of groundwater to
urban areas or for industrial use without consent of the community would
not be permitted.

8.14 .2 Development of groundwater resources would be regulated so as not to

exceed the recharging possibilities, as also to ensure social equity. The
detrimental environmental consequences of over-exploitation of
groundwater would be effectively prevented by legislation and its
enforcement by State Govt.

8.14.3 In order to discourage excessive use of groundwater, the electricity and

diesel would be supplied at the market rate and would not be subsidized .

8.15 Fisheries Development and Aquaculture

8.15 .1 Culture based fisheries in closed wetlands and wetlands with a very brief
period of connection with river would be encouraged with community
participation through strategic stocking and recapture.

8.15 .2 Capture fisheries to manage natural fish stock would be encouraged

through community participation in wetlands with riverine connection for a
reasonably long time by allowing recru itment by conserving and protecting
the brooders and juveniles.

8.15.3 The growth over-fishing would be prevented by taking appropriate

measures in gear selection and strictly observing the closed season to
protect the brooders.
,
- 15 -

8.15.4 Fisheries would be made part of an integrated water reso,urces

management system including navigation and recreation, bird sanctuary,
aquaculture and open water fisheries as a part of holistic development
which would benefit the local people and help retaining the biodiversity of
the water system and the environment.

8.16 Navigation, Water Tourism and Recreation

8.16 .1 In order to save energy and reduce our dependence on petroleum

products, the major portion of which are imported, navigational transport in
rivers is required. Emphasis would be made on maintenance of minimum
flow and depth in specific river reaches to facilitate navigational transport.

8.16.2 Water-tourism opportunities and adventure sports potential of the

Brahmaputra-Barak system would be harnessed by developing water-
tourism sites for adventure sports like para-sailing, water sports, river
rafting , and angling etc. through Department of Tourism.

8.17 Resettlement and Rehabilitation

8.17.1 Although emphasis will be given in optimal management of water through

sound micro watershed development program, sometimes it may be
necessary to construct large storages. The consequent resettlement and
rehabilitation of people in such cases would be governed by the national
policy. The project-affected persons (PAPs) would be entitled to
rehabilitation that precedes the project completion and compensation
where payable would be both for appropriation of property as well as for
livelihood.

8.17 .2 Land for land in respect of agriculture would be the preferred option .

8.17 .3 The compensation awarded to PAPs would match market rates , even if
this means that the cost of resettlement & rehabilitation as percentage of
the total project cost goes up .

8.17.4 The definition of PAPs would be such as to cover all the people who are
actually affected by the project.

8.17.5 All water and power development projects would ensure that benefits of
the project go to the local people first.
 - 16-

8 .17 .6 A separate Resettlement & Rehabilitation ce ll or wing would be created

within the project management structure to be staffed with social scientists
and extension/community workers besides engineers.

8.17 .7 The State Govt. would appoint an independent agency outside the project
implementation to monitor the resettlement and rehabilitation activities.

9. ACTION PROGRAM

9.1 Partnership with Communities in Water Resources Management

9.1 .1 The management of water resources for diverse uses would be done by
adopting a participatory approach, by involving the user commun ities
through community based organizations in the various aspects of
planning , design, development and management of water resou rce s.
Necessary legal and institutional changes would be made at various levels
for this purpose. Water Users Associations and local bodies such as
municipalities and Gaon Panchayats would particularly be invo lved
progressively at appropriate levels in the operation, maintenance and the
management of water infrastructures and facilities with a view to
eventually transfer the management of such facilities to the commun ity
based organizationsllocal bodies.

9.1.2 When local communities or public utilities are neither able to invest nor
able to efficiently manage water delivery systems, private participation in
corporate sector may be invited . However, private participation in
planning , development and management of water resource projects would
be subjected to carefu l social scrutiny based on well-develop ed
mechanisms of accountability and regulation and clearance by local
community whose water resources are being tapped.

9.1.3 Involvement and participation of beneficiaries and other stakeholders

would be mandatory at every stage of project conception , planning ,
implementation, operation and maintenance.

9.2 Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring

9 .2.1 Water quality would be a very important aspect of this water pol icy . To
ensure water quality po llution of water bodies w ill be prevented and
'polluter pays principle' would be introd uced .

•
..
 - 17 -

9 .2.2 Both surface water and groundwater as well as soil quality would be
regularly monitored for quality and a phased program would be
undertaken for improvement in water quality.
9 .2.3 Periodical reassessment of surface water and groundwater potential on a
scientific basis would be undertaken .

9.2.4 Steps would be taken to improve and modernize the existing mechanisms
for monitoring water quality and quantity.

9.2.5 Improvements in existing strategies and the innovation of new techniques

resting on a strong science & technology base would be emphasized to
eliminate the pollution of surface and groundwater resources to improve
quality and to step up recycling and reuse of water.

9 .2.6 Realizing the importance and the pressure of demand on quality fresh
water, quality assurance would be treated as an essential part of the
environment for sustaining all life forms.

9.3 Financing Projects and Water Service Charges

9.3 .1 It has increasingly become evident that government alone cannot provide
the funds needed for financing of water resources projects. Local
communities on one hand and the corporate sector on the other would
have an important role to play in the better development and utilization of
water resources. The Govt. of Assam would facilitate this by putting in
place a suitable legal and administrative environment.

9.3.1 In government funding projects the full cost of operation and maintenance
along with at least 50% cost of the capital would be recovered . The water
charges would be increased gradually to rea ch that level with in 10 years
of operation .

9.3 .2 In the case of private sector investments suitable means like commercial
use of land or other means would be found to compensate for less
recovery in the early stages of operation of the projects.

9.3.3 In areas where sanitation services are provided by the government the
water user charges would be substantially enhanced in order to recover
the capital cost and to generate funds for maintenance, extension and
modemization of the sewage disposal system .
 - 18 -

9.3.4 Adequate emphasis will be given to the physical and financial

sustainability of the existing and new projects. Therefore, it would be
ensured that the water charges for various uses would be fixed in such a
way that they cover at least the operation and maintenance charges of
providing the service and a part of the capital cost.

9.3.5 The water service charges would be directly linked to the quality of service
provided .

9.3.6 The subsidy on water rates to the disadvantaged and poorer sections of
the society would be well targeted and transparent.

9.3 .7 An autonomous regulatory body to fix tariffs for the different uses of water
may be set up.

9.4 Project Implementation and Monitoring

9.4.1 A system to monitor the performance and socio-economic impact of the

project would be established. Such a monitoring process would take the
community into confidence by involving them at every stage.

9.4.2 A close monitoring of the projects to identify bottlenecks and to adopt

timely measures to obviate time and cost overruns would form part of
project planning and execution.

9.5 Safety

9.5.1 A proper organizational arrangement within the ambit ' of State Water
Resources Board/Council and the State Water Resources Development
Authority would be made for ensuring safety of storage dams and other
water related structures consisting of specialists in investigation , design,
construction, hydrology, geology, etc.
9.5.2 Dam safety legislation would be enacted to ensure proper inspection,
maintenance and surveillance of the existing dams and also to ensure
proper planning, investigation, design, construction and safety of new
dams . The guidelines would be kept under constant review and
periodically updated and reformulated. There would be a system of
continuous surveillance and regular visits by experts.
 - 19 -

9.6 Disaster Management

Disaster management strategies for floods, breach of embankment ,

breach of dams and other water related structures and also in case of
drought or drought like situations wo uld be formulated .

9 .7 Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation

9.7.1 Emphasis would be given to the improvement of efficiency of utilization of

water in all sectors and fostering of awareness about water as a scarce
resource and need for water conservation .
9.7.2 Conservation consciousness would be promoted through education.
regulation incentives and disincentives.
9.7.3 Rainwater harvesting , both by modern scientific methods and traditiona l
methods, would be encouraged and promoted through dissemination of
information, demonstration and incentives.
9.7.4 Efforts would be made to modernize the traditional rainwater harvesting
methods through proper input of modern science & technology.
9.7.5 Stress would be laid in recharg ing of groundwater through rainwater
harvesting especially in water scarce and urban areas.

9.8 Legislation and Regulation

9.8.1 The ex isting ru les, regulations, ord inances, legal and leg islative measures
related to the State's water sector would be critically examined specifically
in aspects pertaining to water resources management, protection of wate r
quality, flood protection , water rights, etc. and necessary measures wou ld
be taken in respect of:

• Amendments and add itions to ex isting acts, rules , regulations,

orders, decisions, etc.
• Ensuring respons ibilities and powers of government agencies .
• Clearly spelling out the rights and obligations of individuals in the
relevant laws and regulations .
• Ensuring that the legislation would allow for easy implementation
of policy decisions wh ile protecting the interests of individuals.
• Empowering appropriate agencies to carry out their obligations
and responsibilities and spelling out the administrative procedures
necessary for coordinated , equitable and efficient control, as well
as the resolution of co nfl icts which may arise .
 - 20-

• Providing legal support for the formation of Water Users

Associations and handing over to them the distribution of water for
irrigation and the maintenance of canals .
• Establishing rules and regulations for the involvement of the
private sector in development and operation of water related
projects.
• Providing in the law for an effective participation of farmers in the
planning and decision making processes which involve users and
public authorities.
• Introduction of necessary legislation for a periodic amendment of
water rates and tariff structures based as far as possible on
volumetric metering of supplies.
• Establishment of effective conflict resolution , legal entities and
procedures.

9.9 Training, Research and Science & Technology

9.9.1 For effective and economical planning and management of water

resources of the State, the frontiers of knowledge would be pushed
forward in several directions by intensifying research efforts with
integration of modern tools of science & technology in various areas such
as:

• Hydro-meteorology
• Assessment of Water Resources
• Groundwater Hydrology and Research
• Water Quality, Recycling and Reuse
• Prevention of Water Logging and Soil Salinity.
• Water Harvesting in Rural Areas in an Integral Manner.
• Water Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge in Urban areas .
• Economical and Easy-to-Operate & Maintain Designs for Water
Resource Projects
• Seismology and Seismic Design , Safety and Longevity of Water
Related Structures
• Sedimentation of Reservoirs
• River Morphology and Hydraulics
• River Erosion
• Effective Water Drainage System
• Soils and Materials Research
• Evaporation and Seepage Losses
• Construction Materials and Technology
• Use of Remote Sensing Techniques
 - 21 -

• Better Water Management Practices and Improvements In

Operational Technologies
• Risk Analysis and Disaster Management
• Crops and Cropping Systems
• Aquaculture and Fisheries Development
• Design of Less Consumptive Use of Water in Domestic Appliances
• Sewage Treatment on Smaller Scales and Reuse of Water after
Treatment.

9.9.2 Since the overall thrust of the State Water Policy is towards people's
participation at all stages, the highest priority would be accorded to the
training of those who are to manage the water resources at all levels .

9.9.3 It would be ensured the techn ical empowerment of all local institutions and
communities, viz., Gaon Panchayats, Water Users Associations,
municipalities, NGOs, etc., who are to plan , develop and manage wate r
resources .

9.9.4 The training programs would include information systems, sectoral

planning, project planning and formulation , project management, project
operation and maintenance , management of the water distribution
systems, safety of physical structures and systems, etc.

9.9.5 All training programs would have a strong component on att itud ina l and
behavioral change.

9.10 Water Literacy and Awareness Generation

9.10 .1 This policy realizes the need to quickly alter behavior of individuals ,
communities and institutions to ensure optimum utilization of the water
resource . It is recognized that awareness is a key issue in changing
attitudes and converting knowledge into desirable action. The initiatives
under the State Water Policy would have this mandate of Statewide
scientifically organized awareness campaign through booklets , posters,
video and audio programs, radio and TV programs, street plays and
other cultural media . A tested methodology with combination education
and entertainment would be adopted for reaching the common man .

9.10.2 Impact analysis of the campaign would be done through independent

groups/agencies and the results would be fed into the activities to be
designed in subsequent phases.
 - 22-

10. REGIONAL COOPERATION

10.1 Assam and other Northeastern States and neighbouring countries are
interdependent in a variety of trade-offs, including the thorniest water
issue. While formulating major projects of integrated multipurpose water
resources development certain general principles of information & data
sharing, equity, fairness, no significant harm, optimum utilization, mutual
accommodation and political climate for good neighbourliness would be
enunciated.

10.2 All major integrated multipurpose water resources development projects

would be revisited with water dialogue with neighbours to review options
and strategies and build a synergy through regional cooperation
specifically in respect of water sharing on scientific basis, flood cushioning
in projects for the benefit of neighbours, flood moderation and navigation
to regional benefit, addressing issues of negative effects in neighbouring
States, evacuation of hydropower, etc.

10.3 Water disputes/conflicts with neighbouring States would be resolved on a

national perspective guided by the National Water Policy and Inter-State
Water Disputes Act. The trans-boundary conflicts would , however, have to
be resolved through Central Government.

11. STRATEGIC ADMINISTRATIVE INITIATIVES AND INSTITUTIONAL

MECHANISMS

11.1 State Water Resources Board/Council

At present the responsibilities of water issues of the State are fragmented
between different departments without any formal mechanism to ensure
coordination. For multi-sectoral water planning, planning of water development
programs and projects, management decisions, inter-sectoral water allocation,
and resolution of water resources issues in total coordination of different
departments and agencies, a State Water Resources Board/Council, with the
Chief Minister of Assam as the Chairman , will be established .
11.2 State Water Resources Development Authority
The State Water Resources Development Authority will be established to act as
a technical secretariat of the State Water Resources Board/Council.
11.3 State Water Resources Data & Information Centre
The prime requisite for resource planning is a well-developed information system .
A State Water Resources Data & Information Centre will be an essential
 - 23-

component of the State Water Resources Development Authority with a network

of data banks and databases on availability of water resources , availability of
water for different purposes, actual use sector-wise, projected future availability
and demand by way of credible and broader projections, etc.
Present information and data system fragmented between different departments
and agencies will be merged in a single State Water Resources Data &
Information Centre. Emphasis will be given for greater use of Remote Sensing &
GIS techniques for improved , broader, modem and effective processing
capabilities.
Maintenance of all necessary data by users and regulatory departments would
be made mandatory for compilation of data in the State Water Resources Data &
Information Centre.

12. CONCLUSIONS

The water resources of Assam provide the springboard to make the State
a happening place and catapult its people towards a brighter future . In
view of the vital importance of water for human and other living beings, for
maintaining ecological balance and for economic and developmental
activities of all kinds , and considering its increasing scarcity in spite of
availability of a considerable quantum of the resource in the State chiefly
due to mismanagement, the planning and management of this resource
and its optimal , economical and equitable use has become a matter of
utmost urgency. Addressing the vast needs in this respect may be difficult
immediately but it has been felt that there are several priority aspects that
are essential to bring the current situation to a level of acceptability to start
with any mean ingful water resource management initiative. Gcvernment of
Assam, therefore, felt the need of a State Water Policy, which would be
responsive not only for the immediate needs but also to the State's future
needs. The success of the State Water Policy will, however, depend
entirely on the development and maintenance of general consensus and
commitments to its underlying principles and objectives .
 - 24 -

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF REFERENCES

• National Water Policy, 2002.

• Water Policy and Action Plan for India 2020: An Alternative - G.N.
Kathpalia and Rakesh Kapoor.
• Water Resources in the Northeast: Development Options in a
Cooperative Framework - B.G. Verghese.
• Water Resources of the Northeast: State of the Knowledge Base -
Chandan Mahanta.
• Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India-2004 - Central Ground
Water Board.
• Salient Points - Report of the Expert Committee on Integrated
Development and Management of Water Resources (Prof. Vyas
Committee).
• River Channel Changes of Brahmaputra River - A Study Based on
Multidate Satellite Data - Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad
and Brahmaputra Board , Guwahati.
• State Water Policy of Uttar Pradesh .
• State Water Policy of Rajasthan .
• State Water Policy of Karnataka .
• State Water Policy of Madhya Pradesh .
• Discussion Paper: Eco-Water Science Literacy - ASTEC .
• State of Environment Report-2004 - ASTEC .
• Information and data from Assam Remote Sensing Application
Centre - ASTEC .
• Information and data from State ENVIS Centre - ASTEC .
• Advice and Views of Er. A.K. Mitra , Former Secretary to Govt. of
Assam, Water Resources Department.