Water bodies cannot be transferred to private parties

An 18-year-old circular withdrawn with immediate effect: R.V. Deshpande

File photo of a water body.

An 18-year-old circular which had provisions to sanction government-owned water bodies to private organisations has been withdrawn with immediate effect, Minister for Revenue and Skill Development R.V. Deshpande said on Friday.

A new circular has been issued in this regard. District Commissioners have been instructed not to send any more proposals to the government for granting water bodies which have lost their original shape due to various reasons to any industry or private organisation.

After SC warning

This decision comes after a recent warning by the Supreme Court to authorities against using government-owned water bodies for any kind of public or private purpose.

Under the earlier circular, the District Commissioners had the power to send the proposals to the government for granting water bodies to a private organisation, with the recommendations of the Water Resources Department.

The new circular will be a major step towards the conservation of the environment and water bodies, Mr. Deshpande said.