Preparations intensified for new law on water resources

The government has stepped up preparations to introduce a new umbrella law on water resources in line with the country’s federal structure.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has finalized revisions to the draft Water Resources Bill, 2083 BS and is preparing to move the legislation forward for approval.

The proposed law seeks to replace the existing Water Resources Act, 2049 BS and establish a clear legal framework for the distribution of authority among the federal, provincial and local governments as envisioned by the Constitution.

According to the Ministry, the bill focuses on the conservation, sustainable use and integrated management of water resources, while also addressing disaster risk reduction related to water-induced disasters.

Once the law comes into force, provincial and local governments will be able to formulate and implement laws within their respective jurisdictions.

The bill also proposes expanding the role of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat by granting it greater responsibility in regulation, policy coordination and long-term planning.

The government aims to endorse the bill during the ongoing parliamentary session. Preparations are underway to submit the draft to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and later to the Cabinet for approval by the third week of May.