BHUTAN WATER VISION AND BHUTAN WATER POLICY
National Environment Commission
- Principles of Water Resources Development and Management............... 24
6.1. Water Reso urces Development..................................................... 24
6.2. Water Resources Management...................................................... 25
6.3 Value of Water............................................................................... 27
6.4 Water Resources Protection............................................................ 28
6.5 Flood Control and Manage ment................................................... 29
- Institutiona l Developm ent for Water Resources Management:............. 30
7.1. Institu tional Set Up.................................................................... 30
7.2. Responsibility for the Manage ment of the Water Resource s......... 32
7.3. Management of Information System.......................................... 32
7.4. Human Resources Development................................................... 32
7.5. Applied Researc h in Water Resources Development and Management....................................................... 33
- International Waters................................................................................. 35
8.1. Trans- boundar y Water Reso urce s.............................................. 35
ANNEXURE.......................................................................................................... 36
Terms of Reference of Bhutan Water Partnership............................................ 37
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BHUTAN WATER VISION 2025
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Supporting Life, Prosperity and Gross National Happiness
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Our Country and its Resources
Sourc e: Depart ment of Energy, MoEA
Bhutan Water Vision
River Basins with Nor th-South Tributa ries and their Specific Runoff (l/s/k m2 )
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Bhutan Water Vision ii
River Basins with East-West Tributaries and their Specific Runoff (l/s/km2 )
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Did you know that.....
- Bhutan is endowed with rich water resources.
- It has four major river basins - Amo Chu, Wang Chu, Punatsang Chu and Drangme Chu basins.
- The per capi ta availabil ity of water per annum is more than 100,000 m3
- More tha n 70% of the country is covered by forests.
- Protected areas cover more than one-fourth of the country's land area
- Only 1.4 % of the country 's hydropower potentia l is harnessed.
- Only 7.8% of the country's land area is arable.
- Bhutan ' s annual population growth rate i 1.3 %, meaning that Bhutan's pres ent population will double in next fifty years.
- About 79% of Bh utan 's population i rural while 21% live in towns and urban areas.
- Bhuta n ' s urban population i growing by 5-7% per year.
- It is estimated that the present urban population of 130,000 will grow to more than 400,000 by 2020
- It is estimated that an average person in rural areas uses 45 litres of water per day for domestic purpose while an urban res ide nt uses 130 litres per day.
The Changing Scenario
Bhutan has abundant water resources, but this resource will face new, complex and pervasive challenges caused by population growth and socio-economic development.
These challenges have to be faced. They must be effectively addressed through defined polic ies, acts, regulations, public educatio n, stakeholder participation and well designed development programmes with efficient management institutions.
Vision
Water is the most important natura l , economic and life-sustaining resource and we must ensure that it is available in abundance to meet the increasing demands. Present and future generations will have assured access to adequate , safe and affordable water to maintain and enhance the quality of their lives and the integrity of natural ecosystems.
Strategies
To achieve the Vision water must be used and managed sustainably, efficiently and equitably while preserving the env ironme nta l, social, cultural and economic value and US(i;S of water.
To this end, all water users, planners and decision-makers shall be adequately informed, educated and encouraged to value and protect water in all its forms and uses.
Realising our Vision requires the participation and involvement of all people in Bhutan working in a partnership mode within an enabling policy, legal and institutional environment.
Principles
The Water Vision is based on the principles of environmental conservation, integrated water resources manage ment , sustainable use of water resources, economic efficiency , equity and good governance.
These principles are defined as:
Environmental Conservation
Implementing poli cies, acts and management plans which sustain and improve environmental integrity, ecosystems and all forms ofl ife, including social, cultural and health aspects of human life.
Integrated Water Resources Management
Promoting coordinated development and management of water resources to maximise the economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of the vital ecosystems.
Sustainable Use of Water Resources
Developing water resources to meet the demand of its people without damaging the environment and the country's unique cultural heritage so that the quality of life of future generations is not compromised.
Economic Efficiency
Recognising that water has an economic value in all its competing uses , economic efficiency will be one of the criteria to prioritise programs on water within the national and local inter ests.
Equity and Good Governance
Equitable water use rights which respect local traditions that are founded on equity and social justice. Water administration shall be carried out by responsive, transparent and accountable institutions at the Central, Dzongkhag and Geog levels.
Rights
All people have the right to a livelihood. This right will be respected in all decisions regarding allocation, management and use of water resources.
All people of Bhutan have the right to information and participation in decision-making through consultation and to appeal in matters relating to planning , allocation and use of water resources according to procedures specified in the Water Act and by the National Environment Commission or the Designated National Authority.
Drivers of Change
Demographic and Social Forces
- Population growth, particularly in urban areas
- New lifestyles, attitudes and consumption patterns
- New urban generations without roots in the land
Technology and Industry
Industrialisation
Labour-saving technologies to improve efficiency
- Growth of information and communications technology
- Increase in demand for and access to information
Environment and Health
- Environmental and human impacts of development
- Environmenta l/occupational diseases
- Pollution of water resources
Economic
- Development and export of hydropower
- Shift from rural to urban-based economy
- Increasing demands for more water and higher service levels
- Increased regional and international cooperation
Political and Legal
- Bhutan Water Policy and other sector policies
- Government reorganisation and decentralisation
Challenges
Bhutan faces many challenges in realising its Vision and achiev ing its development objecti and goals while at the ame time managing conflict and tackling th persistent force of the drivers of change. Among the mo t imp ortant include:
- Con erv i ng the quantity and protect i ng the quality of water resources a a na tion a l a et
Manag i ng growing demands for water and en rgy at higher ervice le el
Impro ing productivity and iability of rural Ii ve li ho d upport ba e in the face of i n rea ing urbanisation
- Achie ing adequate in titutional and human re our e capacity
- nticipating preventing and managing conflicts between comp ting use and u er of water resources
- urturing repr entative, re pon ive a nd tran parent gove rna nc e a t all l e el
Priorities
In Bhutan, clear prioritie govern the plannin g ma nag ment and u of water resource . Th y are:
- Water for human con umption, health and hygiene
- Water for energy Water ri r indu try
- Water for touri m and recreation
- Water for other u e
- Water for nature conservation, including pre ention of natural disaster and emergencies shall always be a guiding element in all water allocation decisions
Goals and Targets
Environm ent
Con ervation of water hed , mon i tori ng water quality, impa t of urbanisation public awarene on ater re ourc
Water uppl y and sanitation
Rural
I 00% co erage of afe water upply and anitation
Urban
I 00% coverage of afe water upply and anitation
Health
Reduction of water-re lat d di ea e
Agricult ure
lncrea ed agricultural pr ductivity and production through improved water use efficiency
Hydropower
Tap it va t potential for ocio-economic d vel pment and elf reliance
Indu try
Allocate ad quate quantity of water and comply with p lluti n tandard
Bh111a11 Water Vision 7
Recreation and Tourism
Develop water bodies for recreation, fishing and tourism
Aquacu lture
Identify and license water bodies/courses for fish farming
Disaster Managemen t
Forecast and prevent disasters caused by water such as floods and lands lides
Instruments
The condition and use of water resources in Bhutan is guided and regulated by a mutually reinforcing set of instruments consisting of:
- Environmental Assessment Act
- Forest and Nature Conservation Act
- Supplementary legislation , codes, rules, regulations and bye-laws (national , sectoral and area-specific)
- Local government acts and codes (e.g. Dzongkhag Tshogdu and Geog Tshogde chatrims, Municipal Act)
- Voluntary agreements (e.g. genjas)
National Responsibility
The responsibility for implementation and enforcement of the legal regime for water resources protection , management and use rests with the National Environment Commission or the Designated National Authority.
These tasks are carried out at the lowest appropriate level in accordance with principles of integrated and decentralised management of water resources .
Guardians of the Vision
The following organisations assume a vital respons ibi li ty as guardians of Bhutan's Water Vision on behalf of the people of Bhutan:
- Public Health Engineering Section, MoH
- Department of Urban Development and Hous in g, MoWHS
- Bhutan Council of Agricu lture Research and Extension, MoA
- Department of Forest, Ministry of Agric ulture
- Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture
- Land Use Section, PPD, Ministry of Agriculture
- Department of Energy, MoEA
- Department of Tourism, MoEA
- Department of Geology and Mines
- Office of the Attorney General
- ational Environment Commission or the Designated National Authority
- Royal Society for the Protection of Nature
1. Introduction
1 .1 Bhutan has been consistently following a conservation-centered development policy. This policy has been inherited from the wisdom of our forefathers who knew that ensuring the integrity of forests , rivers and soil are vital to their survival in the mountainous environment. Their wisdom, which has been synthesized into our modern development philosophy, has been crucial in maintaining a good natural re ource base. As the main outcome of this conservation policy, 72.5% of the country is under forest. This good vegetative cover on a mountainous topography with a fair spatial distribution of precipitation of 4000-5000 mm in the foothills , 700-2500 mm in the inner valleys and mid hills and 700-1000 mm in the high altitude regions has endowed the country with rich water resources. Fed by snow and rain, the country is drained by four major rivers and their numerous tributaries. Their average flow draining the co unt ry 's area of 38,394 km2 is estimated at 2,325 m3 /s (Water Resources Management Plan, 2003), which is 73,000 million m3 /ann u m with per capita availability of more than I 00,000 m3 . The mo u nt ainou s topog raphy, with altitudes vary ing from 100 meters to over 7,500 meters above sea level, drained by these rivers and their tributaries has given the country a high potential for hydropower development.
1.2 However, Bhutan cannot afford to be complacent. The country is confronted with localized and seasonal water shortages for drinking and agricultural purposes. Only 78% of the country's population has access to safe drinking water and about 1 2.5% of the arable land is irrigated. The high per capita availability of water at the national level is in stark contrast to local water scarc ity , which has become a serious impediment to development. This problem of access to water is caused by the settlements being on the slopes while the major rivers fl.ow at the valley bottoms. However , the country's annual precipitation gives some prospect to deal with the local water scarcity. Harvesting a small fraction of this huge quantity of rainwater has the potential to solve the local water scarcity problems and lead to judiciou s use of available water.
1.3 There is increase in fluctuation between lean season and monsoon season flows leading to sub-optimal utilization of generating capacity of hydropower plants. The increasing sediment load in rivers is decreasing the expected output and economic life of hydropower plants. The uneven distribution of precipitation over the fragile mountainous environment makes the country highly vulnerable to lands lide s, floods, droughts and impacts of climate change.
1.4 Pressure on water resources is mounting due to competing demands from different users. In the past, water was mainly used for domestic and agricultural purposes. Even the demand for domestic water is increasing due to changing lifestyles caused by rapid socio-economic development. Similar l y, the water demand by agriculture is expected to increase due to production intensification to keep pace with food demands of a growing popul ation. New demands from other sub-sectors such as hydropower and industries are emerging and must be accommodated. Rapid urbanisation is taking place , which has serious impacts both on water demand in terms of quantity required and the associated pollution that impairs quality.
1.5 Effectjve watershed management is imperative for water resources conservation and sustainable ut i liza tion. However, due to the rapid pace of socio-economic development, there is increased pressure on the watersheds. Although harvesting of forest produce is based on sustainable management plans , increasing demand for timber, firewood and non-timber forest produce is starting to have negative impacts on watersheds. Further, forestland encroachment and forest fires have become challenges for watershed conservat ion. Therefore, watershed management as the reservoir of water and other related resources is a challenge that must be addressed collectively in the interest of all resource users.
1.6 At a growth rate of 1 .3% per annum, our population will double in the next fifty years. About half the population are projected to live in urban centres. Such a concentration of population poses a serious challenge to delivery of services and waste management of a burgeoning population. Given the limited arable and plain land , such concentration will undennine sustainable management of land and water resources, compromising the low carrying capacity of the fragile mountainous ecosystem.
1.7 Climate change has serious impacts on Bhutan. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) are increasingly becomin g threats due to melting of glaciers triggered by climate change. GLOFs have serious impacts on life, properties and future infrastructure development in the country. Another major impact of climate change will be in reducing the natural flow regulating capacity of the glaciers for our rivers with serious consequences on our water resources. Therefore, since Bhutan is affected by phenomenon on which we have no cont rol, we must participate in international forums on climate change to negotiate on mitigation measures for our important resources.
1.8 The existing water user institutions have weak functional linkages at policy, planning and programming levels. The different sub-sectors have been performing their respective responsibilities independent of each other. This has resulted in fragmented data , duplication of efforts and poor resource management system. It has sacrificed the synergy of integration. For instance, the drinking water program is looked after by two ministries: urban water supply is under Ministry of Works and Human Settlements and rural water supply is with the Ministry of Health. Similarly, while the Ministry of Agriculture handles irrigation and land-use, hydropower development and hydro-meteorological data collection and GLOF are looked after by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Such an institutional set up has, above all, resulted to the absence of a national policy on water which is an important national resource and created sub-sector based institutions leaving rooms for potential confticts among them.
1.9 There is no law on water in its own merit. Ho we ver , some provisions related to water issues exist in some existing Acts such as the Land Act, 1 979, Forest and Nature Conservation Act , 19 95, Environment Assessment Ac t, 2000 , Bhutan Electricity Act, 2001 and Water and Sanitation Rules (framed in pursuance of the Municipal Act 1999). These provisions are not comprehensive and are sometimes cont radi ctory, inconsistent and conflicting with each other. Beside s, the people also practice customary law and norms , which differ from village to village. Therefore there is a need for the enactment of a comprehensive law on water.
1 .10 On the international front , Bhutan is signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UN Framework Convention on Climate Cha nge , Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; Convention on Biological Diversity,; Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); Basel Convention on the control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposa l; UNESCO World Heritage Convention; International Plant Protection Convent ion; Statute of the Centre for Science and Technology of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and other Developing Countries; Statutes of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
2. Water Vision for Bhutan
Vision Statement
Water is the most important natural, economic and life-sustaining resource and we must ensure that it is available in abundance to meet the increasing demands. Present and future generations will have assured access to adequate, safe and affordable water to maintain and enhance the quality of their lives and the integrity of natural ecosystems.
2.1 Nature , water and human life are interdependent and inseparable and must coexist in harmony and balance .
2.2 To achieve this vision, water must be used and managed sustain ably, efficiently and equitably while recognizing and preserving the envi ronmental , social, cultural and economic value and uses of water.
2.3 All water users , planners and decision-makers shall be adequately informed , educated and encouraged to value and protect water in all its forms and uses.
2.4 Realizing this vision requires th involvement of all people in Bhutan working in a continuous partnership within an enabling policy, legal and institutional framework.
3. Need for Water Policy
3.1 Water is a prec10us natural resource, a basic human need for survival. The development and management of water resources must be therefore guided by national conservation and sustainable development policies.
3.2 The Royal Government has taken the decision that sustainable agriculture development, harnessing hydropower potential and industrial development shall be the main avenues of socio-economic development. Water is one of the main resources required in fulfilling this important national objective of socio economic development. Therefore, the need for a water policy to guide the sector in the best interest of the nation cannot be over-emphasized.
3.3 Water is finite. Socio-economic development inevitably leads to increasing demand of water for diverse purposes: domestic , agric ultu ral, hyd ropower , indus trial, recreational etc. Water is a crucial element in all these development areas. Therefore , conse rvat ion , deve lo pment , utilization and management of this important resource have to be guided by national goals .
3.4 The need for an integrated approach is crucial for effective management of water resources for fulfilling our divers·e nationa l objectives. An enabling environment shall be created for active participation of all stakeholders and for an integrated water resources management.
Floods including GLOF affect vast areas resulting in loss of lives and properties. It is essential to develop a national adaptation strategy for climate chang e, including a national flood management and mitigation strategy.
3.6 A common framework for water resources assessment is crucial for informed decision-making. The inventory of water resources both in terms of quality and quantity needs to be developed.
3.7 There is a need for coordinated efforts on all water resources development in the country. It is also pertinent that an institution be created to ensure an integrated approach in the management of water resources and its sustainable utilization.
- Policy Statements
4.1 The Bhutan Water Policy is a reflection of the Royal government's commitment on the conservat ion, development and management of the country 's water resources. It recognizes that water is a precious natural resource and a heritage important to all aspects of social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Therefore, water resources must be carefully conserved and managed in order to promote national development without compromising the integrity of the natural ecosystem .
4 .2 The policy adopts an integrated approach, wh ich recognizes natural linkages. Emphasis is placed on water resources management within river basins and aquifers, including both upstream and downstream water users. Surface and ground water must be seen as two forms of the same resource, often with close linkages . Water quality and quantity are important and interlinked. Water resources must be planned and managed in a coordinated manner.
4.3 Water is crucial for deve lopme nt since it is the resource that guarantees basic wellbeing for all. Water programs must address balanced development and grant equitable access to this basic resource to meet the basic condition for happiness thereby contributing to the national goal of Gross National Happiness (GNH)
4.4 Water support human sustenan ce and therefore has direct linkage to poverty. Recogn izing this strong linkage , water related programs shall address poverty and offer people their right to respectable livelihoods.
4.5 The policy shall cover all forms of water resources including snow, glacier, rivers , lakes , streams, springs, wet lands, rainw ater, soil moisture and groundwater.
4.6 The Water Policy views water resources from a broad, multi-sectoral perspective while recognising the responsibility of the sub-sectors to play their part in meeting the policy objectives. The policy principles are thematically grouped as follows:
i) Water user interests and priorities ;
ii) Principles for water resource development and management ;
iii) Institutional development for water resources management; and
iv) International waters.
5. Water User Interests and Priorities
5.1. Allocation of Water
5.1.1 When water resources are not sufficient either in quantity or quality to meet every legitimate demand, water for drinking and sanitation for human survival shall be the primary priority. Water for irr igation, hydropower generation, industrial use, recreatio n, and other uses shall be considered based on national and local priorities. Water legislation and management practices should allow for flexibility for adopting practical local solutions.
5.1.2 Water is indispensable for nature conservation and this shall be a guiding element in water allocation decisions .
5.2 Water for Drinking and Sanitation
5.2.1 Water is essential for human survival and health. Therefore every individual has the right to safe, affordable and sufficient quantity of water for personal consumption and sanitation.
5.2.2 The goal of the Royal Government shall be to provide universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation. While doing so, national standards for water quality shall be developed and followed.
5.2.3 There are reports of drying up of streams and springs as sources for drinking water. Consistent efforts shall be made to protect and conserve drinking water sources and the best available water sources shall be allocated for drinking purposes. In addition, alternative sources like groundwater and rainwater harvesting shall be explored in areas with water shortage.
5.3 Water for Food Production
5.3.l Sustainable agriculture development is an important component of socio economic development. It is the source of livelihood for 79% of the population. Adequate water allocation to this sector is indispensable for achieving overall national food security. Therefore, water allocation to thesector must be compatible with this national object ive. A certain provision of water for consumption by domestic animals has to be made.
5.3.2 Agriculture consumes the highest percentage of water. With population growth and increasing competition for water from other sub-sectors , it is imperative that higher efficiency (" more crop per drop") has to be achieved through adaptive and applied research. In order to address seasonal and local water shortages, other sources of water like groundwater and rainwater harvesting shall be promoted wherever feasible.
5.3.3 As agriculture production has the potential to pollute water resources through use of fertilizers and pesticides , efforts will be made to manage soil and pests without using excessive chemicals to avoid pollution of water resources from non-point agriculture sources.
5.3.4 The role of the rivers as an aquatic habitat and as a source of food shall be recognised.
5.4 Water for Hydropower Development
5.4.1 The mountainous topography of the country, with varying altitudes and swift flowing rivers in deep valleys carrying sufficient run-offs originating in fairly un-disturbed watersheds , provides the advantage for hydropower development.
5.4.2 ydropower sha .lJ continue to be the backbone of the Bhutanese conomy providing adequate energy for growth.
5.4.3 Hydropower developm nt as a non-consumpti e u e of water, its significance a a renew able, non-polluting and clean form of energy and its potential for earning revenue from export hall be re ognized. The sub- eetor's tr mendou potential for ocio-economic development of the Kingdom sha l l be harnes ed in a ustainable manner.
5.4.4 Hydropow r development and tran mi ·ion of energy ha e linkage wilh up tream down tream and en-route water and l a nd- u er and therefore there i a ne d for cooperation and coordination in working out tradeoff:. The e shall b approached through con ultation and all u er hall con ider tradeoff, keeping in view the o erall national i ntere t.
5.5 Water for Industrial Use
5.5.1 The need for water by industrie hall be rec ognized. Its rational and efficient u c with prop r di po al of wa tewater i mandatory. The pro p ct of mountain pring wa ter a an environmentally clean product shal l be encouraged.
5.5.2 De elopment of touri m and recreational potential on Bhutan watercour e i ll create additional opportunitie and hall be promoted in a ustainable and env1ronm nt-friendly manner. The potential ofh t pring which have m dicinal cultu ra l a well a recrea t iona l value, hall be promoted.
5.6 Water Use and Conflicting Users' Interests
5.6.1 Competing water uses which result in conflicting water users' interests shall be solved through legal instruments. Legislation related to water that exist in various Acts are not comprehensive , and does not address the current and future water issues sufficiently. There is therefore a pressing need to enact a comprehensive legislation on water, which shall regulate water use in a sustainable way, resolve water-related conflicts, and ensure necessary conservation of water resources. The Water Act shall recognize and respect customary rights that are based on justice, equity and good faith.
5.6.2 Water in Bhutan shall be a common good. The State shall have the right to regulate the use of water resources and intervene in cases of conflicts. However, water management shall be broad-based with the involvement of all stakeholders through a consultative process. The use of water shall be open to all legitimate users under the provisions of the Water Act.
5.6.3 A comprehensive water legislation and regulations along with elaborate water abstraction procedures shall be developed. Licensing of activities that abstract water for commercial use shall be made mandatory. The licence shall specify the quantity, time frame, and quality of abstractions and discharge of effluents. The legislation shall also lay down provisions for a systematic registration of all forms of water uses, for the purposes of national integrated management plan and other uses.
5.6.4 The Water Act shall take into account international legal norms and conventions that Bhutan is signatory to.
6. Principles of Water Resources Development and Management
6.1. Water Resources Development
Water resources development, management and conservation must be done in an integrated manner for long-term sustainability. Sustained flow of good quality water depends on the integrity of the watershed. Water is a crosscutting resource because of its universal utility. it is a social and an economic good which transcends all social barriers. These characteristics o.f water shall form the basis to integrate our efforts in water resources development, management and conservation.
6.1.1 Sustainability of water resources means to integrate conservation, development and management on scientific basis, to maintain the safe yield of surface water sources, to prevent water pollution, to reduce the risks of flood and landslide damage and to promote the active participation of all stakeholders. Sustainable technical systems shall involve investigations, sound and affordable designs followed by construction of high quality infrastructure and their effective maintenance.
6.1.2 The use of appropriate technologies backed up by good management practices shall be promoted for saving water in households, agriculture and industrial uses.
6.1.3 Water resources development shall be carried out in an environmentally sustainable, economically feasible and socially acceptable manner.
6.1.4. Water resources development shall be based on applied research results and development activities relevant for Bhutan. These shall include programs and activities on source protection, groundwater abstraction, rainwater harvesting , recycling and reuse and innovative management practices. Integrated and coordinated development of surface and groundwater and their conjunctive use shall be promoted in feasible areas.
6.1.5. Water resources conservation , development and management programs are capital-intensive. A prudent fiscal policy to deve lop the sector shall be important for its growth. Investment from the private sector shal l be encouraged. Preference shall be given to cost-effective , multi-purpose and multi-users projects.
6.2. Water Resources Management
6.2. J Water resources management shall respect the integrity of rivers, surface and groundwater. As land-use has direct impact on water cycle, it is crucial that land-use planning take place at the river basin level. The upstream-downstream relationship has impact on the management of water resources. Therefore, water resource management in Bhutan shall be based on natural river basins. Conflicting user interests shall be resolved in a river basin context as a norm.
6.2.2 The main river basins shall form natural units of a national water management system. Appropriate institutional structures for water resources management at the basin level shall be developed.
6.2.3 Consistent water demand management shall complement the optimal development of water supply. Demand management shall include water-saving techno logi es, regu latory measures and enhancing public aware ness. Pricing policies are effective tools for managing water demand , and this shall be an integral part of the water policy.
6.2.4 Water resources management shall be carried out in an integrated manner. Many water management pro blems, leading to crises of quantity and quality are associated with lack of integ ration , top-down management and disregard of upstream-downstream relationship. The important elements of an integrated water management shall include:
- Water flow circulation within the river basin , between the basins and the surroundings shall always be taken into consideration;
- Land-use planning shall take place within the framework of the river basin;
- lt shall recognize the transport of matte r, including polluting substances , that occurs between soil , air and water;
- It shall recognize that usable water is always a function of both quality and quantity, and the two are strongly in ter-connected
- Water supply and wastewater management shall be integrated at all administrative levels;
- Rivers , Jakes and other wetlands shall be sustained as biotopes for aquatic lif e;
- All legitimate water users shall be equally respected, and have a voice in decision making;
- Central and local water management shal.l be consistent and interlinked;
- Integrated water management shall include monitoring, data collectio n, analysis and access; and
- Integrated water resources management shall also include management measures related to monitori ng, early warning and mitigation of floods, lands lides , damage to agriculh1ral land and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
6.2.5 Participation of both genders in water resources management decisions shall be encouraged. There fore, water related programs shall take into consideration the important role of women and men with respect to equal sharing of burden and benefits. Both men and women shall be involved in pla nn i ng, development and management of water resources programs. A concerted effort to sensitize the importance of gender equity in water resources programs shall be implemented.
6.3 Value of Water
6.3. l Water has an economic and a social value. Demand management techniques shall be introduced in order to achieve equitable sharing when there are competing water users. Economic instruments are efficient in modifying demand , and this shall be applied with care. Sustainable management of water as a resource is only possible when its full cost is acknowledged during planning and development of water projects. Cost recovery schemes shall include economic and environmental costs. Tariff structures shall therefore aim at sustainability of providing water.
6.3.2 Economic tools for water demand management will be introduced. Royalties or other means ofr ent/levy on water shall be considered for commercial water uses. Economic tools for promoting preferred or environmentally beneficial practices shall be promoted.
6.3.3 Use of water resources that causes pollution shall be regulated. The cost of pollution mitigation shall be based on the "polluter pays principle."
6.3.4 The principle of cost sharing on water resource development and management shall be further strengthened to inculcate a sense of participation and ownership for sustainability.
6.4 Water Resources Protection
6.4. l All forms of water resources shall be protected. Pollution impairs water quality, and hence reduces the water resource base. Pollution of water resources from urban deve lopment, agricu lture, construction industry shall be controlled and the policy shall promote use of clean and appropriate technology. Watersheds' essential role as a sustainable source of water shall be protected.
6.4.2 Watersheds play an important role in regulating and maintaining water flow. The Royal Government of Bhutan shall ensure that adequate funds and resources are ploughed back for watershed protection and management. The plough back mechanism shall be used as an important tool for water resources management and development.
6.4.3 It is particularly important to protect the watershed providing drinking water. Surface water sources that are used for water supply shall be protected. The quality of groundwater shall be monitored in view of the potential future role of groundwater as a source of water, and co-ordinated with the general surface water quality monitoring.
6.4.4 Water quality will be maintained by creating awareness on water pollution Environmental impact assessments shall give specia l considerations to impacts on water and aquatic life. Introduction of clean technologies for industrial production shall be promoted.
6.5 Flood Control and Management
6.5.1 1 I ntegrat d and coord ina te d approach in flood control and management i e ent ia l. Ac tion plan and programm shall be developed for monitoring early warnmg of flood hazards and di a ter management. Pa rt icu la r attention sha l l be given to threat from floods i ncl ud i ng glacial lake outbur t flood .
6.5.2 Di aster management plan including forecasting, prevention, evac uat io n and mitigating measure hall be developed for flood-pro ne basin . Sound watershed management through exten ive oi l con ervation, water hed ar a treatment con ervation of for t shall be promoted to reduce the incidence and intensity of flood . Flood forecasting and warning system shalI be tabli hed along w i th regulation for human settlem nts and construction of physical flood protection work to minimize lo s of life and properties due to floods.
6.5.3 Infrastructure for flood protection and damage prevention sha l l be strengthened. Flood zoning shall be catTied out as an important di aster prevention measur . Measure to reduce threats from glacial lake outburst floods shall be taken up .
6.5.4 Un managed water ha great potential for de truction and pose huge ri ks to as ets, live , conomy and the environment. It is important to know the d structive capacity of water and take app ropr iate safety and management measur wh i le dealing with water and relat d acti i t ies . Thi is the re ponsibility of every individual and organization that u c and deal with ater at indi id ual or co ll ec t i e le e l .
7. Institutional Development for Water Resources Management:
7.1. Institutional Set Up
7.1.1 The ational Environment Commission or the Designated National Authority shall ensure effective co-ordination of water resources management at the national leve l. It shall be assisted by the Bhutan Water Partnership (BhWP) comprisi ng of representatives from stakeholders, Civil Society and other NGOs.
The mandate of NEC or the Designated National Authority shall include:
- Planning of water resources at national lev el,
- Formulation of water policy and required legisl atio n,
- Preparation oflntegrated Water Resources Management Plans,
- Monitoring and evaluation,
- Setting water quality standards and guide lines ,
- International water co-operation,
- Licensing and regulating activities,
- Repo rt to the Gove rnment / National Assembly
Further, in collaboration with relevant sectors, the NEC or the Desig na ted National Authority sha ll coordinate:
- Research, development planni ng and support
- Capacity building and techn ic al backstopping ,
- Coordination of emergency preparedness,
- Data collection and dissemination,
- Flood and disaster management related to water resources
7.1.2 The line ministries, departments, divisions and other organisations shall implement their respective functional responsibilities within the policy and legal framework. For ensuring effectiveness of the institutions in the water sector, better coordination and linkage mechanisms among them shall be promoted.
7.1 .3 The Royal Government may form advisory bodies, from time to time, consisting of representatives from civil society and water users organizations , to provide advice to the government on water-related issues.
7. I .4 Operational management of water resources shall be carried out at the regional and local level with active participation of stakeholders. The practical management of water resources shall be implemented at appropriate levels. The line agencies shall ensure their linkage with local organisations to ensure effective imp]ementation of activities on water with active participation of the beneficiaries. In line with the decentralisation policy, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu and Geog Tshogde at the Dzongkhag and geog levels respectively shall play important roles in planning , imp l e mentat io n, operation and management of all water programs. The role of private sector and non-governmental organisations shall be encouraged in supplementing the services on water provided by the public sector. Private sector participation shall be guided by public auth orities , which shall set the requirements for minimum service standards.
7.2 Responsibility for the Management of the Water Resources
7.2.1 The State shall act as the trustee of water resources and shall be responsible for overall regulation and management. Since water is a valuable resource that should be protected in the public in te rest, the State has an obligation to ensure a just, equitable and sustainable allocation among all legitimate water users includ ing rationing during scarcity.
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7.3 Management of Information System
7.3. l A prime req uisi te for efficient water resource conservat ion, development, management and planning is a we ll-develo ped information management syste m. A standard ized national i nfo rmation management system with network of data banks and databases shall be esta bl ished. The establishment's main function will be designing i nformat ion collection network and data collection with integration and strengthening of the existing central and dzongkhag l e ve l agencies. It shall work towards imp rov i ng the quality of data and its processing. Information and Comm uni cat ion Technology (}CT) shall be adopted as an effective tool for this purpose. It sha ll facilit ate free exchange of data amo ng the various partner organizat ions for dissemination of info rmatio n .
7.4. Human Resources Development
7.4.1 For effic ie nt management and development of water resources, sufficient human resources, their skills and knowledge are important prerequi ites. Therefore a prospective plan for training of planners , managers , implementers and the users shall fonn an integral part of the institutional capacity building measures. In this regard, priority trainings shall be imparted on information systems, cross sectoral and integrated planning, multi-purpose project planningand formulation, project management, conservatio n, watershed hydrology, operations and maintenance of physical infrastructures related to water resources management and development.
7.4.2 Awareness campaigns and sensitizing all users on the importance of water are important aspects that need special attention. In this regard, there is need for training of sociologists and institutional experts to encourage efficient management and development of water resources.
7.4.3 Efforts should also be made to highlight the importance of water resources in the curric ulum of all relevant educational institutions.
7.5. Applied Research in Water ResourcesDevelopmentand Management
7.5.1. For effective and economic management ofresources and also to keep with the dynamics of change and development , constant efforts shall be made in applied research on water conservation, management and development.
7.5.2. The following areas need special attention :
i) Hydrometeorology
ii) Assessment of the National Water Resources
iii ) Surface water source and watershed protection
iv) Ground water hydrology and recharge
v) Water harvesting
vi) Water balance studies
vii) Crop water requirements and cropping systems
viii) Soil erosion and bio-engineering
ix) Flood control and mitigation
x) Erosion of the watercourse and sedimentation of reservoirs
xi) Safety of hydraulic structures
xii) Recycling and re-use
xiii) Best practices
xiv) Economic and financial planning
xv) Wastewater
xvi) Water pollution and prevention
xvii) Water Law and Administration
8. International Waters
8.1. Trans-boundary Water Resources
8.l .1 Trans-boundary water issues shall be dealt in accordance with International laws and Conventions to which Bhutan is a signatory.
8.1.2 Cooperation in information sharing and exchange, appropriate technology in water resources development and management, flood warning and disaster management shall be initiated at the national , regional and global levels.
Terms of Reference of Bhutan Water Partnership
The Royal Government established, in August 2001, a multi-stakeholder body called Bhutan Water Partnership (BhWP), comprising of relevant agencies in the water resources sector.
The Terms of Reference of the Bh WP are:
- To act as a technical advisory body to the government/NEC or the Designated National Authority on water resources protectio n, development and management;
- To promote and support integrated water resources management as an approach to susta in able water resources management;
- Provide guidance to the government in identifying critical needs for the sustainable management of water resources as well as possible ways of meeting them;
- Assist in the formulation and promotion of national policies in the area of water resources;
- Promote research and development (R& D) in the water sector);
- Exchange ideas, critical knowledge and information on how to work together to achieve sustainable management of water resources and disseminate information and facil itate sharing of experiences among use rs, policy makers and planners for deve lo pment of water resources;
- Promote increased use of integrated planning approach;
- Establi s h linkage and collaboration with government agencies, international agencies , local govt. ins titutions , private organizations and NGOs and other civil society groups li ke media and various professional groups;
- Conduct advocacy and awareness programs on water related iss ues;
- Promote and organize training in the relevant fie lds;
- Participate in all network meet ing s, whether at country, regional or global level;
- Have network meetings regularly to review critical regional network activities and the work program taking into account the developments at all levels of the network;
- Have partnership meetings regularly to review and coordinate activities of the partners h ip;
- Co-ordinate relevant activities of BhWP with those of other concerned organizations;
- To act as a focal body to the South Asian Network of the Global Water Partnership;
- Work closely with the GWP with regard to meeting specific water related objective s;
- Encourage achievement of Millenium Development Goals and the declaration of the World Summit on Sustainable Development related to water;
- Review the partnership functions from time to time m line with the strategies developed by the GWP network ;
- Strengthen the partnership through increased interaction with key stakeho lders;
- The members of the BhWP will be from relevant stakeholder agencies and shall be open to both institutions and individuals. The members shall be invited through notification in the media.