Lok Sabha Question No. 1522 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-15
Subject: Projects to Raise Ground water Level
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Sanjay Seth

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI, DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1522

ANSWERED ON 15.12.2022

## PROJECTS TO RAISE GROUND WATER LEVEL

## 1522 SHRI SANJAY SETH

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the projects being implemented by the Ministry to raise ground water level across the country, State-wise;

(b) the details of the ongoing projects in Jharkhand under the Ministry;

(c) the details of the funds allocated for the above purpose;

(d) whether any targets have been fixed for the next three years for Jharkhand by the Ministry; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI ( SHRI BISHWESWAR TUDU )

(a) Water being the State subject, the efforts to raise groundwater level  including effective rainwater harvesting  etc  come  under  States'  mandate,  however,  Central  Government  has  taken  a  number  of important measures in this regard in the country, which can be seen at http://jalshaktidowr.gov.in/sites/default/files/Steps%20taken%20by%20the%20Central%20Govt%20for%20water\_de pletion\_july2022.pdf

Further,  Central  Government  works  in  close  collaboration  with  States/UTs  through  various initiatives/schemes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), Atal Bhujal Yojana (in certain water stressed areas), MGNREGA,  PMKSY-Watershed  development  etc  to  supplement  the  efforts  of  States/UTs  for sustainable  management  of  groundwater.  The  JSA  was  launched  in  2019  with  the  primary  aim  to effectively  harvest  the  monsoon  rainfall  through  creation  of  artificial  recharge  structures,  watershed management, recharge and reuse structures, intensive afforestation and awareness generation etc. The JSA has continued  during  2021  and  2022  which  were  launched  by  the  Hon'ble  Prime  Minister  and Hon'ble President of India respectively.

Central  Government  is  implementing  Atal  Bhujal  Yojana  with  an  outlay  of  Rs.  6,000  crore,  in collaboration  with  States,  in  certain  water  stressed  areas  of  Gujarat,  Haryana,  Karnataka,  Madhya Pradesh,  Maharashtra,  Rajasthan  and  Uttar  Pradesh.  The  primary  aim  of  the  scheme  is  demand  side management  through  scientific  means  involving  the  local  communities  at  village  levels  leading  to sustainable groundwater management in the targeted areas.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has taken up National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM)  programme  under  Ground  Water  Management  &  Regulation  scheme  (Central  Sector scheme)  with  the  objectives  to  delineate  the  aquifers,  characterize  them  and  prepare  groundwater management plans. Out of the identified 25 lakh Sq Km area for coverage under NAQUIM studies, so far, an area of 24.4 lakh Sq Km has already been covered. The entire 25 lakh sq km is targeted to be covered by March 2023. The study reports including recommendations in this regard are shared with States/UTs for suitable use.

During FY 2021-22, CGWB has taken up demonstrative innovative artificial recharge project with cumulative  outlay  of  Rs  170.00  Cr  in  certain  identified  water  stressed  districts  of  Rajasthan  and Haryana.

Further, Hon'ble Prime Minister launched Amrit Sarovar Mission on 24 th April 2022. The Mission is  aimed  at  developing  and  rejuvenating  75  water  bodies  in  each  district  of  the  country  as  a  part  of celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

(b) & (c) The entire identified area of 76705 Sq. Km. has been completed by the CGWB in Jharkhand under  NAQUIM  study.  The  NAQUIM  study  report  along  with  management  plans  are  shared  with States Government for suitable interventions.

Water harvesting/recharge works in the country including Jharkhand is generally taken up through MGNREGA.  The details of expenditure with respect to Ongoing and Completed projects in Jharkhand as per MGNREGA web-site maintained by Department of Rural Development, Government of India for FY 2021-22 are Rs 56.81 Cr and Rs. 83.75 Cr respectively. Similarly, for FY 2022-23 the expenditure for ongoing and completed projects is Rs. 38.65 Cr and Rs. 9.60 Cr respectively.

Department of Land Resources is implementing PMKSY-Watershed Development scheme in 28 States/UTs  including  Jharkhand  for  the  development  of  rain-fed  and  degraded  areas.  The  activities undertaken  inter alia include ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil  and  moisture conservation,  rain  water  harvesting,  nursery  raising,  afforestation,  horticulture,  pasture  development, livelihoods for asset-less persons etc. Central Government approved continuation of the scheme during the period FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 and a total of 30 watershed projects covering an area of 1.48 lakh Ha at a total cost of Rs 393.53 Crore have been sanctioned for Jharkhand and Rs. 27.27 Crore released as Central assistance. As per information received from Jharkhand, since 2014-15 to 2021-22 total 4690 water harvesting structures have been created / rejuvenated and an additional area of 5233 Ha has been brought under protective irrigation.

(d) Water being State subject the targets/timelines for sustainable management of water resources in a State is to be planned by the concerned State government. However, CGWB has prepared Master Plan 2020 for artificial recharge in collaboration with States. The Master Plan recommends creation of 5.91 Lakhs  of  various  types  of  artificial  recharge  structures  at  an  estimated  cost  of  Rs  5,357.00  Cr  in Jharkhand.

(e) Question does not arise in view of the reply given in para (d) above.