Lok Sabha Question No. 141 (STARRED), answered on 2024-08-01
Subject: Challenges in Implementation of Schemes
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

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

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. *141

ANSWERED ON 01.08.2024

## CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHEMES

## *141.    SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  primary  challenges  currently  affecting  the  implementation  of  initiatives/schemes  of  the Ministry across different States;
- (b)  the  manner  in  which  the  Ministry  is  addressing  the  issues  of  water  scarcity,  pollution  and  inefficient water management practices;
- (c)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Ministry  to  enhance  water  conservation  efforts  and  promote  sustainable use  of water resources during the last three years;
- (d)  the  details  of  any  new  policies  or  initiatives  proposed  to  tackle  emerging  challenges  faced  by  the Ministry for the remaining part of 2024;
- (e)  whether  the  Ministry  has  any  collaborations  or  partnerships  with  States,  NGOs,  or  international organizations aimed at improving water resource management and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the measures being taken by the Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of funds earmarked for projects/schemes under the Ministry?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF JAL SHAKTI (SHRI C R PAATIL)

- (a) to (f) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. *141 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2024 IN LOK SABHA REGARDING 'CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHEMES'

(a) The primary implementation challenges of Jal Shakti initiatives inter alia include (1) Land Acquisition, Relief and Rehabilitation, Court Cases, Contract Management in Water Infrastructure Projects (2) Lack of coordination among various agencies and stakeholders (3) Community Participation and Behavioral Change (4) Insufficient Institutional Capacities at State and local Level.

(b) & (c) Water being a State subject, the mandate for addressing issues such as water scarcity, pollution and inefficient water management practices along with enhancing water conservation efforts and promoting sustainable use of water resources lies with the State Government. However, Government of India has taken a number of initiatives to supplement the efforts of the State Governments through technical and financial support.

Major  steps  taken  by  the  Ministry to  address  Water  Scarcity  includes  increasing  the  surface  and ground  water  storage  capacities  through  schemes  such  as  Pradhan  Mantri  Krishi  Sinchai  Yojana,  Atal Bhujal Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain. Initiatives for pollution abatement including municipal sewage  and  industrial  effluents  is  undertaken  through  schemes  like  Namami  Gange,  National  River Conservation Plan. To enhance efficient water management practices, the National Water Mission works with  multiple  stakeholders  to  promote  and  facilitate  efficient  use  of  water  in  agriculture,  industrial  and domestic sector. Micro irrigation is being promoted under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana.

In  addition  to  above  initiatives,  the  Ministry  has  taken  various  other  steps  to  enhance  water conservation and promotion of sustainable use of water resources through recommendation in the National Water Policy 2012, establishment of Central Ground Water Authority to regulate over extraction of Ground Water,  promotion  of  Reuse  of  Treated  Water.  Central  Ground  Water  Board  (CGWB)  has  completed  the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) Project in the entire mappable area of about 25 lakh sq. km. which has  been  shared  with  the  respective  State  agencies  for  implementation.  The  management  plans  include various water conservation measures through recharge structures. CGWB has also prepared a Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020 in consultation with States/UTs which is a macro level plan indicating  various  structures  for  the  different  terrain  conditions  of  the  country.  The  Master  Plan  has provisions for construction of about 1.42 crore Rain water harvesting and artificial recharge structures in the country to harness 185 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) of monsoon rainfall. Water Body Census 2023, the first ever data base of 2.4 million water bodies has been prepared and released providing a comprehensive data base for ponds, lakes, tanks, reservoirs for the country to aid in water resource planning and conservation.

(d) The Ministry addresses the emerging challenges, as and when they arise,  through continuous updation of existing schemes & policies, dialogues with stakeholders and adoption of new technologies.

(e) Water being a State subject, the Central Government supplements the efforts of the States and Union Territories  (UTs)  through  technical  and  financial  assistance.  The  States  are  an  integral  part  of  the  whole effort  of  integrated  water  resource  management.  The  Central  Government  provides  support  to  them  in coordination and collaboration with the respective State Governments depending upon various parameters. The Central Government provides financial support to States and UTs for undertaking water conservation efforts across the country through various schemes related to water resource management and also consults them to ensure their effective implementation.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) also play a significant role in water resource management. NGOs  often  work  at  the  grassroots  level,  facilitating  better  communication  and  engagement  with  local communities, which is crucial for the success and sustainability of water conservation projects. In addition, integrated water management  is  a  multi-stakeholder process. The  Ministry of Jal Shakti and its organizations, therefore, work with a very large number of Non-Governmental Organizations and academic institutions  to  promote  public  awareness  and  for  enhancing  water  resource  management  in  the  country. Details  of  such  NGOs  and  institutions  are  available  on  the  website  of  the  Ministry.  Through  such partnerships, the Ministry of Jal Shakti aims to promote sustainable water management practices, increase public awareness about water conservation and implement effective solutions to address water scarcity and groundwater depletion.

International  organizations  such  as  the   World  Bank,  Asian  Development  Bank,  European  Union, Physikalisch-Technische  Bundesanstalt (PTB),  Deutsche  Gesellschaft  für  Internationale  Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA), are associated with the Ministry in various capacities aimed at improving water resource management.

(f) The Government of India leverages digital technology to enhance transparency and accountability in the allocation  and  utilization  of  funds  earmarked  for  various  projects  and  schemes.  The  Public  Financial Management System (PFMS) is an electronic platform developed to ensure efficient fund flow and tracking of expenditures for government schemes, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in public financial management.

Additionally, the General Financial Rules, 2017, established by the Ministry of Finance, are strictly adhered to for the sanction of expenditures. Utilization certificates are obtained to verify the accuracy and proper  use  of  funds.  Collectively,  these  measures  contribute  to  a  robust  framework  for  managing  public finances effectively.

In addition to above regular review and monitoring , independent audit, third party evaluation are also undertaken.

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