Water law and policy framework in India has undergone significant changes in the last couple decades. Given the complex nature of the law and policy framework, the awareness among common people is minimal or nil. This is an irony given the fact that recent law and policy changes call for ‘users’ to be as a key player in the management and development of water.
In this background, Environmental Law Research Society organized a two day capacity building workshop in association with Vanangana, a civil society organization working to empower rural women in Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh. The workshop was aimed to enhance awareness about water laws and policies.
Participants at the workshop
The participants were from rural background and represented the marginalized/backward community of the Society. There were total 27 participants in the workshop of which 24 were women. Some of the participants were associated with Vanangana and have involved in various community oriented water projects. During the workshop, it was observed that they were completely ignorant about the water laws and ongoing reforms.
Following were the major issues/topics which were covered in the workshop:
- Introduction to Water Laws and Policies in Uttar Pradesh
- Human Right to water
- Rural Water Supply- Swajaldhara and National Rural Drinking Water Programme 2010
- Privatization
- Uttar Pradesh Water Management and Regulatory Commission Act, 2008
- Uttar Pradesh Participatory Irrigation Management Act, 2009