State Planning Commission drafts Tamil Nadu State Water Policy for addressing water management issues in Tamil Nadu

The State Planning Commission (SPC) has drafted the Tamil Nadu State Water Policy to address water management challenges in the state. The policy aims to strategise and assure equitable access to clean water for all. The policy will address the low annual per capita water availability of 900 cubic metres compared to the national average of 1,486 cubic metres as of 2021. The SPC has recommended a compulsory registration of all types of wells, water transportation vehicles, drilling agencies, etc., with the concerned local bodies to check the rise of unregulated private water suppliers such as tanker lorries. Additionally, the draft has proposed the setting up of the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Authority, a water policy research centre and a unified Tamil Nadu water information system, among others.