A protest against the National Water Policy 2012, organised by the People’s Campaign for Right to Water-Karnataka, a community-based organisation in the City on Friday, received an overwhelming response with a total of 3,090 people taking part in it.
Similar protests were held in 22 other districts of the State.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Kshithij Urs, a member of the organisation, said the new National Water Policy, 2012 sets a dangerous precedent by promoting anti-people practices which would be detrimental even to the future generations. The policy snatches away the people’s right to water.
“According to a representative of the World Bank, since we are not able to conserve our water bodies, our elected representatives are seeking financial aid from the World Bank towards water conservation. But we want the government to come up with good plans and stop privatisation of water supply,” Kshithij added.
The Karnataka Urban drinking water and sanitation policy of 2003 and the National water policy of 2012 is clearly intended at promoting privatisation-corporatisation of water resources.