| Abstrakt: |
Water is considered the lifeline of our ecological existence. It not only plays an important role in the socioeconomic conditions of the state but also in the well-being of an individual. Water, which is available in many forms like surface water, groundwater, ice caps, etc., needs proper regulation and management. The groundwater, once seen as a private resource, is now considered a public resource to which the state is trustee. Groundwater management has been a burning issue worldwide, for which states have been taking vibrant steps. At the national level, some guidelines in the form of Model Bills have been framed, but the matter, as per the constitutional setup, is the domain of states. The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has taken a dynamic step to regulate water resources by enacting the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010. This paper focuses on the importance of groundwater and its management. It also underlines the private and public rights with regard to sub-surface water. Finally, it concludes with some valuable suggestions which may be taken into consideration for proper regulation and management of groundwater in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
