The draft National Water Policy prepared under the stewardship of Mihir Shah promised a much-needed re-orientation from supply-expansion to demand-management, water-quality first, and integrated surface–groundwater governance. It also recommends institutional reforms to enable integrated decision-making. A national policy that proposes changes to groundwater governance has to achieve state endorsement. Second, the draft’s institutional suggestions — creating a national body with authority over both surface and groundwater management — carry legal, administrative and fiscal consequences. Expect an emphasis on demand management, groundwater governance, water quality, decentralised solutions and improved data systems.

Source: The Telegraph March 19, 2026 02:57 UTC