13. Strengthening Institutions, Policies, and Governance

Irrigation institutions in India are facing several constraints and challenges as the existing policies, laws/legislations, acts are complex to understand and implement. River basin planning and management through institutions has been emphasized in various policy papers and it is yet to become a reality. Water-related laws, acts are introduced from time to time but implementation aspects are weak. The water governance phase of the India’s water future with embedded investment and management phases is expected to address the emerging challenges to address both the water security and sustainability. The risks of climate change, interstate conflicts and increasing level of water pollution are making the policy interface further a complex phenomenon. However, these are the key areas where the Centre and the states need to work in a partnership mode involving institutions and regulatory mechanisms. Good governance needs to strengthen the institutions, implementable programmes, relevant policies related to water resources development and management in the country. This chapter discusses the issues related to water institutions, river basin organizations, existing acts, agricultural and water policies, government programmes and schemes. Finally, the chapter indicates how good governance can be a reality to address India’s water future with a positive note.