Water Policy 2008. Country/Territory India Territorial subdivision Kerala Document type Date 2008 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Agricultural & rural development, Environment gen., Water Keyword Water supply Waterworks Irrigation Agricultural development Early warning system/emergency intervention system Disasters Freshwater quality/freshwater pollution Gender Monitoring Water desalination Institution Environmental planning Freshwater resources management Policy/planning Potable water Governance Equity Water rights Integrated management Groundwater Surface water Geographical area Asia, ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, Indian Ocean, South Asian Seas, Southern Asia Abstract As water is a common heritage having economic value, the responsibility for its regulated use and conservation is vested with every citizen and community. The ownership of water resides with the State as a publicly owned resource with entitlement for individuals, communities and service providers to use water without owning it. In order to conserve and manage water, micro-watershed have been considered as a basic unit and river basin, as an integrated unit of micro-watersheds, shall define water rights and regulate water use.This will facilitate a resource-based approach, user participation and a sustainable and equitable water resource management. A policy framework shall be adopted to create an enabling environment for equitable, sustainable and productive management of water resources for ensuring public health, promoting growth and minimizing regional imbalance. Full text English Website www.india.gov.in