KATHMANDU: The government has intensified preparations to introduce a new umbrella law on water resources aimed at streamlining water resource management in line with the federal structure.
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has completed revisions to the draft of the Water Resources Bill, 2083 bs and is preparing to move it forward for approval.
The proposed bill, which seeks to replace the existing Water Resources Act, 2049, will provide a legal framework for the division of powers among the federal, provincial, and local governments as envisioned by the Constitution. Once the new law is enacted, provincial and local governments will be able to formulate laws within their respective jurisdictions.
According to the ministry, the main objective of the bill is to ensure the conservation, sustainable development, and multi-dimensional use of water resources. The proposed legislation also prioritizes the reduction of water-induced disasters, sustainable utilization, and integrated management of water resources.
The bill proposes strengthening the Secretariat of the Water and Energy Commission. The ministry stated that preparations are underway to develop the Secretariat into a key body responsible for water resource regulation, policy coordination, and long-term planning. The scope of the commission has also been expanded with additional responsibilities.
The ministry has simultaneously initiated the process of drafting the necessary regulations to facilitate smooth implementation once the law is passed.
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