The government has decided to offer incentive like tax breakers to industrial users in an effort to promote judicious use of water. The policy talking of incentives is likely to be introduced next year by Planning Commission and water resource ministry.

Water management and usage is a big concern as we face water crisis especially in summers. The per capita availability of water in India is 1,600 cubic meters. A level of less than 1,700 cubic meters is considered a 'water stressed' condition and less than 1,000 cubic meters is a 'water scarcity' condition. As many as nine out of the country's 20 river basins are now in a water scarce situation. The new policy aims at encouraging sustainable use of water by reducing wastage and promoting recycling. The minister said the incentives could be in the form of tax relief for industries, which may help in sustainable river water usage.

India has 2.4% of the world's area, 16% of the world's population but only 4% of the total available fresh water which is too less when taken utility into account. A lot of it goes for irrigation purpose and domestic use and injudicious use makes the availability poor for rest of the sectors.

Amount of water recycled by Indian industries must be increased to protect water quality, but will industry become environmentally sensitive and responsible is the moot question.