The Press Information Bureau released a press release dated 12th December, 2022 on the current status on the National Water Framework Bill, 2016. The release states that the Ministry of Jal Shakti has prepared a draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016. This Bill seeks to provide an overarching national legal framework based on principles for protection, conservation, regulation and management of water as a vital and stressed natural resource. It contemplates legislation and executive action on water at all levels of governance.
The Bill was circulated to States/UTs and the concerned Central Ministries for obtaining their comments. Comments on the draft bill have been received from 11 States viz., Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand.
Additionally, interim responses have been received from 5 States/UTs viz., Uttarakhand, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, NCT of Delhi and Lakshadweep.
