| Meghalaya became the first state in India to ensure the conservation of water and have own water policy following a nod given by the State Cabinet yesterday. The draft policy was approved by the State Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. After the meeting, Chief Minister Sangma said in a tweet that it is historic for Meghalaya as the state has become the first State in the country to have a State Water Policy. The objective of the policy is to recognize water resources as a common pool resource, to provide safe and hygienic water for drinking, domestic and sanitation and livelihood development to all residents of the state. Among other things, the draft State Water Policy which seeks to protect and improve management of water resources while actively involving the community. It also aims at ensuring protection and conservation of catchment areas of all water sources to prevent degradation of the quantity and quality of water sources. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the implementation of the policy through active participation of the community by constituting a Water Sanitation Village Council at the village level. He assured this policy will go a long way in changing the mindset of the people and proper utilization of water. |
