Lok Sabha Question No. 2791 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Functional Dams in Maharashtra
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe, Shri Mohite Patil Dhairyasheel Rajsinh, Shri Aashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao, Smt. Supriya Sule, Shri Sanjay Dina Patil, Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale, Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke, Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2791

ANSWERED ON 08.08.2024

## FUNCTIONAL DAMS IN MAHARASHTRA

2791. SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL

SMT. SUPRIYA SULE SHRI AASHTIKAR PATIL NAGESH BAPURAO SHRI MOHITE PATIL DHAIRYASHEEL RAJSINH PROF. VARSHA EKNATH GAIKWAD SHRI BAJRANG MANOHAR SONWANE SHRI NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE SHRI BHASKAR MURLIDHAR BHAGARE DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE SHRI AMAR SHARADRAO KALE

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of functional dams in the State of Maharashtra at present;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  evolve  a  viable  mechanism  to  assess  the  lives  and operations of the dams and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the current status of dam infrastructure in Maharashtra aimed at water storage and drought mitigation;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  construct  new  dams  for  water  storage  in  Maharashtra  considering drought condition and if so, the details of timelines and locations identified for these projects; and (e) the other steps taken by the Government to construct dams in Maharashtra in a time bound manner?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

- (a) As  per  the  National  Register  of  Large  (Specified)  Dams  2023,  compiled  by  the  National  Dam Safety Authority based on the data provided by the State of Maharastra, there are 2333 completed and functional large dams in Maharashtra.
- (b) The life of a dam is normally till such time it performs its intended functions without creating any risk towards its structural safety and threat to the life and property.

To  address  the  dam  safety  issues  holistically,  Union  Government  enacted  the  Dam  Safety  Act  2021. Provisions  of  the  Act  came  into  effect  from  30 th December  2021.  The  Act  aims  to  provide  for  proper surveillance, inspection, operation & maintenance of the specified darn for prevention of dam failure related disasters and to provide for institutional mechanisms to ensure their safe functioning. As per provisions of the Dam Safety Act 2021, dam owners are carrying out the pre monsoon and post monsoon inspection of their dams every year for assessing their health conditions and ensuring safe and efficient operation of dams.

(c) As  informed  by  the  Water  Resources  Department  (WRD),  Govt.  of  Maharashtra,  there  are  241  dam projects with the WRD, which are at different stages of construction. Design storage of these projects is 48,421 million cubic metre, out of which about 43,478 million cubic metre storage is created.

(d) WRD,  Maharashtra  has  informed  that  the  west  flowing  rivers  (Konkan)  and  Wainganga  sub  basin  of Godavari River are having surplus water. Hence, Govt. of Maharashtra has planned to divert water from west flowing river to Tapi and Godavari river having drought prone areas through intra State river links.

(e) Government of India has approved a scheme of National Project for implementation during XI Plan with a view to expedite completion of identified National Projects for the benefit of the people. National projects are provided financial assistance for cost of irrigation and drinking water component in the form of Central Grant. Government of India has declared 16 projects as National Projects. Out of 16 National Projects, 1 Project is from Maharashtra.

Moreover, WRD, Maharashtra has informed that out of 241 ongoing irrigation projects in Maharashtra, 28 projects are funded under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), 91 projects are funded under Special Package Scheme while remaining are funded through State budget.

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