Lok Sabha Question No. 4393 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: IWRM in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato, Shri Brijmohan Agrawal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4393

ANSWERED ON 27.03.2025

## IWRM IN CHHATTISGARH AND JHARKHAND

†4393.

SHRI BRIJMOHAN AGRAWAL

SHRI DULU MAHATO

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is still needed in Chhattisgarh;

(b) if so, whether the Government is implementing concrete strategies to address the challenges related to water scarcity, water pollution and water conservation in Chhattisgarh and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the role of the data, technology and innovation in water management in Chhattisgarh;

(d) the modern technological initiatives launched by the Government in Chhattisgarh for monitoring water resources and promoting water conservation;

(e)  the  manner  in  which  water  conservation  has  been  promoted  under  the  'Jal  Sanchay  Jan  Bhagidari' initiative in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand;

(f) whether the Government is implementing any special plan to make the said initiative more effective and if so, the details thereof;

(g) whether the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model is being used in water treatment plants in Chhattisgarh and if so, the details thereof; and

(h)  if  not,  whether  the  Government  is  considering  for  implementing  this  model  in  Chhattisgarh  to  make water management more effective?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a)  &  (b) As  reported  by  the  Government  of  Chhattisgarh,  Integrated  Water  Resources  Management (IWRM) is essential in Chhattisgarh to ensure sustainable water use, improve water governance and address challenges related to water scarcity, pollution and conservation. To address the challenges of water scarcity, pollution  and  conservation,  the  Government  of  Chhattisgarh  has  implemented  a  structured  approach.  For water  scarcity,  efforts  focus  on  identifying  vulnerable  areas,  formulating  mitigation  plans,  executing conservation  measures  and  ensuring  continuous  monitoring.  In  tackling  water  pollution,  the  strategy involves identifying pollution sources, measuring contamination levels, implementing treatment plans and maintaining  regular  monitoring.  For  water  conservation,  key  programs  such  as  the  Jal  Shakti  Abhiyan: Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari have been implemented to promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

(c) & (d) As reported by the Government of Chhattisgarh, data, technology and innovation play a crucial role in water management in Chhattisgarh. The use of advanced data systems helps in understanding water trends, planning for present and future needs and optimizing resource allocation. To strengthen data-driven water  governance,  the  State  Project  Management  Unit  (PMU)  and  the  State  Water  Informatics  Centre (SWIC) have been approved.

Several modern technological initiatives have been introduced by the government to monitor water resources and promote conservation in Chhattisgarh. Internet of Things(IoT) and Geographic Information System  (GIS)-based  water  conservation  plans  have  been  implemented  in  Dhamtari  and  Rajnandgaon districts.  Furthermore,  Real-Time  Data  Acquisition  Systems  (RTDAS)  have  been  deployed  under  the National Hydrology Project (NHP) across the state, enabling better monitoring, planning and management of water resources.

(e) & (f) The Government of Chhattisgarh has reported that under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, significant  progress  has  been  made  in  water  conservation  efforts  in  Chhattisgarh.  A  total  of  2,62,751 groundwater  recharge  structures  have  been  constructed  through  different  funding  sources  and  public participation.  The  districts  of  Rajnandgaon,  Raipur,  Bilaspur,  Baloda  Bazar  and  Raigarh  have  achieved notable success, securing positions among the top ten in the country for groundwater recharge efforts.

The Government of Jharkhand has reported that in the state, all district collectors have been directed to take appropriate action towards the implementation of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative. Efforts are being  made  to  sensitize  and  motivate  the  public,  through  local  bodies,  to  adopt  water  harvesting  and conservation measures.

To further enhance the effectiveness of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, the Government of Chhattisgarh plans to implement a GIS-based decision-making framework for groundwater reassessment in collaboration with the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). This approach will be particularly focused on Rajnandgaon  and  Dhamtari  districts,  where  targeted  interventions  will  be  carried  out  to  improve  water conservation and recharge strategies.

(g) & (h) The Government of Chhattisgarh has reported that the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model is not currently being utilized in water treatment plants in the state. However, the Government of Chhattisgarh is exploring the potential of leveraging private sector expertise through this model to enhance efficiency and sustainability in water management.

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