File Photo: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar
In order to meet future water requirements, especially in smart cities, the Centre will come up with fresh guidelines on saving, storing and recycling it, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has said.
Mr Javadekar said the guidelines are being framed under 'Sustainable Urban Development' programme of the ministry.
These will be applicable to housing schemes and commercial establishments built on plots in excess of 2 lakh sq ft, besides smart cities, the Minister said.
"Government is preparing guidelines which will ensure and encourage recycling and judicious use of water so that fresh (potable) water is not consumed in quantitities we are using today (for purposes other than drinking).
"In all housing schemes, plus in all smart cities, and even in regular industrial use also (the guidelines will be applicable)," Mr Javadekar said.
Ashok Lavasa, Secretary in the Ministry, said all stakeholders will be consulted prior to finalising the guidelines, which are expected to be part of model building by laws of states.
"We have prepared a draft and sent the same to the Ministry of Urban Development, which will further hold consultations with stakeholders. We will finalise the guidelines based on the feedback received from the stakeholders," Mr Lavasa said.
He added that the ministry expects states to incorporate the guidelines in their model building by laws and ensure they are implemented.
"We are expecting these guidelines to become part of model building by laws and town planning schemes. These will go a long way in ensuring recycling of water then," he added.