Water Rights Allocation In Daling River Basin

Based on theoretical studies on water rights by previous researchers and in view of the absence of water rights allocation system in China, the thesis explores the practical operation of water rights allocation, taking Daling River Basin as a typical case. The author attempts to make a systematic study on the fundamental principles, procedures and policies of water rights allocation, with emphasis on operational approaches. The study synthesizes the basic theories of water resources, economics, management and law as well as the lessons learned in water rights allocation both at home and abroad.Proceeding from the basic conditions and existing problems in Daling River Basin, the thesis specifies the definition, scope and different phases of water rights allocation, and makes an analysis of the charactnal water rights allocation process. Along the policy lines of socio-political ethics, economic efficiency, sustainability of ecology and environment and state ownership, the thesis puts forward six general principles, namely fair, equitable and transparent water rights allocation; optimized allocation and efficient utilization; sustainable utilization; government macro regulation; phased implementation; and combination of "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches. The study further proposes, according to prioritization of multi-sector water uses and with emphasis on operational approaches and "top-down" controllability, a series of concrete principles regarding proportional water allocation, quantity control for water function zones, allocating water rights according to water quality, unified planning of ground and surface water, reserving water for ecology, project-based water allocation, guaranteeing basic water uses, quota management, respecting current situation of water utilization, planning steer, prioritization of water utilization, regional priority, rational compensation and emergency allocation. Drawing on the experience of water rights allocation practice in other countries and in compliance with the existing water resources management system in China, the thesis brings forward an operating model including three phases and 11 procedures for water rights allocation in Daling River Basin in a rigorous, scientific approach. The author also makes recommendations as how to guarantee water rights allocation with legal and policy instruments.The results of this study can serve as reference for water management authorities in formulating river basin water rights allocation policies.