In many countries, no comprehensive and coherent policy and legislation exists for water pollution control or for environmental protection (see Case Study XIII, Yemen). This does not prevent water pollution control from taking place before such policies have been formulated and adopted, but the most efficient and effective outcome of water pollution control is obtained within a framework of defined policies, plans and co-ordinating activities. There may be obvious shortcomings in the existing situation that need urgent attention and for which remedial actions may be required independently of the overall general policy and planning. Such interventions and remedial actions should.
