The ‘Water Resources Bill, 2024,’ introduced to regulate the use, conservation, and management of water resources, has been unanimously passed by the National Assembly.

In the National Assembly meeting held on Friday, Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Dipak Khadka presented a proposal to pass the bill, which had come with a message from the House of Representatives. Prior to this, the bill was discussed in the assembly along with the report from the Legislative Management Committee.

During the discussion, MPs Bishnubahadur Bishwakarma, Krishnabahadur Rokaya, Radheshyam Paswan, Gopal Bhattarai, and Taramana Swarn expressed suggestions, queries, and comments regarding various provisions of the bill.

Responding to the MPs’ queries, Minister Khadka informed that the bill was introduced aiming for the long-term and sustainable use and effective management of water resources. According to him, since the Constitution already ensures inclusive rights, there was consensus among committee members that there was no need to include separate provisions specifically for Dalits in the bill, and it was prepared accordingly.

Minister Khadka also clarified that the provisions related to the safety of dams and water resource structures have been made clearer and more implementation-friendly in the bill.

Source: Nepal Purbadhar