KATHMANDU: The government has intensified preparations to introduce a new umbrella law on water resources aligned with the federal system.

The Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry has finalized revisions to the draft “Water Resources Bill, 2026,” which will replace the existing Water Resources Act, 1992.

The bill will define the division of powers among federal, provincial, and local governments and allow subnational governments to frame their own laws within their jurisdiction.

It aims to ensure protection, sustainable use, and integrated management of water resources, along with disaster risk reduction.

The proposal also seeks to strengthen the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, expanding its role in regulation, coordination, and long-term planning.

The government plans to table the bill in the current parliamentary session, with Cabinet and legal ministry approval expected within late May.