The government has intensified preparations to introduce a new umbrella law on water resources in line with the federal structure. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has completed revisions to the draft Water Resources Bill, 2083 BS and is preparing to move it forward for approval.
The proposed bill aims to replace the existing Water Resources Act, 2049 BS and provide a legal basis for the constitutional division of powers among the federal, provincial and local governments.
According to the Ministry, the bill prioritizes the protection, sustainable use, and integrated management of water resources, along with disaster risk reduction related to water-induced disasters.
After the new law comes into effect, provincial and local governments will be able to formulate to laws within their respective jurisdictions. The bill also proposes strengthening the authority of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat by assigning it greater responsibility for regulation, policy coordination and long-term planning.
The government aims to endorse the bill during the current parliamentary session. Plans are also underway to submit the draft to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Cabinet for approval by the third week of May
