The Union government has begun to draft a new National Water Policy that calls for the privatisation of water-delivery services and suggests that it be priced so as to “fully recover” the costs of operation and administration of water-resources projects.

Draft of National Water Policy suggests that the government withdraw from its role as a service provider in the water sector.

Instead, it says, communities and the private sector should be encouraged to play this role.

The proposals could mean sharp rises in the cost of water for both rural and urban users