Lok Sabha Question No. 3016 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-07
Subject: Revival of Conventional Water Harvesting Systems
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Kuldeep Indora

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3016

ANSWERED ON 07.08.2025

## REVIVAL OF CONVENTIONAL WATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS

## †3016. SHRI KULDEEP INDORA

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has conducted any mapping or evaluation of conventional water harvesting systems in various States as a part of its water security efforts;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the criteria adopted to identify the successful revival of these systems;

(c)  whether  any such systems operated by States or community have been formally documented and identified for implementation in other areas and if so, the details thereof;

(d)  whether  the  Government  has  provided  any  technical  or  financial  assistance  to  integrate  these conventional water systems with existing schemes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan or the Atal Bhujal Yojana; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a)  to  (c) Water  being  a  State  subject,  the  aspects  related  to  water  resources  including  their conservation are studied, planned, evaluated, funded, and  executed  by  the  State  Governments themselves as per their own resources and priorities. The Central Government supplements the efforts of the States through various technical, financial, and policy-level interventions.

As  part  of  its  ongoing  initiatives  to  support  States  in  sustainable  water  management  and conservation,  the  Ministry  of  Jal  Shakti  has  taken  several  steps  towards  documenting  and  promoting traditional  and  conventional  water  harvesting  systems  across  the  country.  The  Ministry  conducted India's first Census of Water Bodies during 2018-19, the findings of which were published in 2023. The census provides comprehensive data on more than 24.24 lakh water bodies across the country, including details  on  their  use,  status,  condition,  storage,  and  encroachments.  These  water  bodies  include ponds, tanks,  reservoirs,  lakes,  check  dams,  and  others,  thereby  offering  a  broad  database  for  analysis  and planning purposes.

In addition, a notable initiative in this regard is the development of the GIS-based sub-portal 'Jal Dharohar', operational in its beta version since 1st November 2023, under the India-WRIS Portal. This portal presents a consolidated and geo-tagged database of water bodies across India and integrates data from multiple national programmes and sources, including the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, Minor Irrigation Statistics, the First Census of Water Bodies, and the National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC). It serves as a visual and spatial tool for awareness creation, planning, and monitoring of water resources.

To  commemorate  India's  traditional  water  management  heritage,  the  Ministry  of  Jal  Shakti launched a campaign under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) to identify and celebrate 75 Water Heritage Structures (Annexure) across  the  country.  These  structures,  nominated  by  States  and  Union Territories,  reflect  the  historical,  architectural,  and  cultural  legacy  of  India's  water  conservation practices. A Water Heritage Structure Selection Committee was constituted to evaluate the nominations, based on which 75 structures were selected. These include tanks, stepwells, baolis, reservoirs, and other traditional systems from various regions of India.

In  this  regard,  the  launch  of  the  'Jal-Itihas'  sub-portal  under  the  India-WRIS  Portal,  which  was introduced during the 1st All India State Ministers' Conference on 'Water Vision@2047' held on 5th6th  January  2023.  The  portal  was  unveiled  along  with  the  announcement  of  75  Water  Heritage Structures  identified  from  across  the  country.  These  structures,  rooted  in  regional  histories  and community practices, were selected to showcase India's enduring relationship with water conservation through time-tested indigenous systems. The portal hosts detailed information on these 75 water heritage sites.

To preserve and disseminate knowledge about these heritage structures, the Ministry entrusted the task  of  preparing  a  comprehensive  monograph  titled  '75  Water  Heritage  Structures'  to  the  Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). This publication was officially launched during the  2nd  All  India  State  Ministers'  Conference  on  Water  -  Water  Vision@2047,  held  in  Udaipur  on 18th-19th February 2024, and captures the historical importance, architectural features, and conservation aspects of these heritage water bodies.

To  further  strengthen  community  engagement  and  cultural  connection  with  these  traditional systems,  a  'Water  Heritage  Fortnight'  was  celebrated  from  15th  to  30th  November  2023  at  all  75 identified sites. As part of this celebration, a special event titled 'Jal Itihas Utsav' was organized on 1st December 2023 at Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal, Mehrauli, Delhi. The event aimed to highlight the role of water bodies in community life and cultural heritage.

Moreover,  under  the  ongoing  Jal  Shakti  Abhiyan:  Catch  the  Rain  (JSA:CTR)  campaign,  several innovative models of groundwater recharge and water conservation have been observed across various regions which showcases the diversity of locally adapted and community-driven solutions.

In  Banaskantha,  Gujarat,  a  large-scale  initiative  has  focused  on  the  construction  of  low-cost artificial recharge structures in arid regions. A total of 4,135 entries have been onboarded as per the 'Jal Sanchay' portal data. This intervention was made possible by leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)  funding  and the active participation of farmer cooperatives.  The  model demonstrates how public-private collaboration can effectively address regional water stress, offering a scalable and replicable solution for water-scarce areas.

The 'Karmbhoomi se Matribhoomi' Model reflects contributions made by individuals working in Gujarat towards recharge projects in their native states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. This voluntary and emotional investment has enabled cross-state support for sustainable  groundwater recharge.

In Alwar, Rajasthan, school buildings have been transformed into educational and functional assets through  the  implementation  of  rooftop  rainwater  harvesting  systems  and  Building  as  Learning  Aid (BaLA) features. This initiative has enabled the storage of 1.45 crore litres of water in tanks for essential daily  use  and  has  led  to  the  conservation  of  over  2  crore  litres  of  rainwater  annually,  significantly contributing  to  groundwater  recharge.  Developed  in  partnership  with  NGOs,  the  approach  effectively combines water conservation with school infrastructure enhancement and awareness building, creating a model of sustainability and learning for children and communities alike.

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the CREDAI-Raipur model has brought together builder associations and hydrologists  to  construct  low-cost  recharge  units,  with  some  installations  completed  for  as  little  as ₹1,500 per unit. This urban-focused model integrates recharge infrastructure into the built environment efficiently and affordably.

The Gir Ganga Trust model in Gujarat showcases a philanthropic and community-led approach to water conservation. In this NGO-led initiative, a total of 8,161 recharge structures have been on-boarded with funding support  from private donors,  as reflected on the Jal Sanchay  portal.  Local  communities have actively contributed through both in-kind labor and resources for the operation and maintenance of these structures, thereby fostering a strong sense of ownership and long-term sustainability. This model demonstrates  how  civil  society  partnerships  can  play  a  transformative  role  in  scaling  groundwater recharge efforts.

In  Maharashtra,  the  Jal  Tara  Model  involves  farmers  systematically  constructing  standardized recharge  pits  measuring  4  ft  ×  4  ft  ×  6  ft  across  agricultural  land.  This  low-tech  but  impactful

intervention  significantly  enhances  infiltration  and  supports  the  recharge  of  shallow  aquifers,  thereby benefiting both crop productivity and groundwater sustainability. A total of 8,258 structures have been on-boarded under this model, demonstrating its scalability and farmer-led execution potential.

The  5%  Model  from  Korea  district  in  Chhattisgarh  illustrates  how  terraced  recharge  pits constructed  on  5%  of  cultivable  land  can  significantly  improve  local  aquifer  recharge.  This  model integrates  water  conservation  directly  into  land-use  planning  and  agricultural  practices,  resulting  in improved  soil  moisture  retention  and  enhanced  groundwater  levels.  On  each  farmland,  a  shallow terraced recharge pit is constructed in a "pit within a pit" design, with farmers voluntarily contributing 5% of their cultivable land. The structure is built in the following steps:

1. First step: 4 ft × 4 ft pit at the surface level
2. Second step: 3 ft × 3 ft pit inside the first
3. Third step: 2 ft × 2 ft pit inside the second

This  stepped  design  facilitates  layered  infiltration,  making  it  an  effective  and  community-owned solution for rainwater harvesting in agricultural landscapes.

Another noteworthy initiative is the "One House - One Recharge Pit" model from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,  which  encourages  each  household  to  construct  at  least  one  recharge  pit  or  rooftop  rainwater harvesting unit within their premises. This decentralized approach empowers individual households to contribute  directly  to  groundwater  recharge,  reduces  reliance  on  external  water  sources,  and  fosters  a culture of  local  water  stewardship.  By  aligning  household  infrastructure  with  community-level conservation goals, the model supports long-term water sustainability in both rural and urban settings. In the  last  year  alone,  67,000  harvesting  structures  were  constructed,  resulting  in  an  estimated  47  lakh cubic meters of groundwater recharge.

These  successful  models  have  been  documented  and  are  regularly  showcased  by  the  National  Water Mission during interactions with District Collectors, wherein exemplary districts present their implementation  strategies. To  facilitate broader  replication,  a  compilation  of  Frequently  Asked Questions (FAQs) and standard designs for artificial recharge structures has also been shared with all States and Union Territories.

(d)  &  (e) The  Jal  Shakti  Abhiyan:  Catch  the  Rain  (JSA:  CTR)  campaign  is  a  nationwide  initiative implemented annually, focusing on water conservation, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The campaign emphasizes convergent financing from various schemes of the Central, State and local bodies  like  Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural  Employment  Guarantee  Scheme  (MGNREGS),  Atal Mission  for  Rejuvenation  and  Urban  Transformation  (AMRUT),  Per  Drop  More  Crop,  Repair,

Renovation and Restoration Components under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), Finance Commission grants, etc.

To further strengthen JSA: CTR, "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari" (JSJB) initiative, launched in Surat, Gujarat  on  6th  September  2024,  under  Jal  Shakti  Abhiyan:  Catch  the  Rain  (JSA:  CTR)  campaign focuses  on  intensifying  community  mobilization  to  build  low  cost  rainwater  harvesting  structures  in saturation mode. The Jal Sanchay programme has been started in Gujarat by also leveraging community funds,  individual  donations,  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  Funds  etc.  for  construction  of  low  cost structures  like  borewells,  recharge  shafts,  recharge  pits,  using  locally  available  material,  to  harvest rainwater, to boost ground water level and provide local tailor made solution to water issues.

Under Ground Water Management & Regulation Scheme, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has  been  involved  in  the  implementation  of  several  successful  artificial  recharge  projects  including recharge pits in the country for demonstrative purpose which enables the State Governments to replicate the  same  in  suitable  hydrogeological  conditions.  To  address  the  challenges  faced  by  States  and  local bodies  in  implementing  rainwater  harvesting  systems,  particularly  in  water-stressed  regions,  the Government of India has adopted a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. As part of this strategy, Central  Nodal  Officers  (CNOs)  and  Technical  Officers  (TOs)  from  the  Central  Ground  Water  Board (CGWB) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) conduct field visits to facilitate the districts and to provide technical assistance.

Also, Government of India is implementing Atal Bhujal Yojana, a Central Sector Scheme, with a total  outlay  of  Rs.6000  crore  in  8203  water  stressed  Gram  Panchayats  (GPs)  of  229  administrative blocks/talukas in 80 districts of 7 States viz. Gujarat,  Haryana, Karnataka,  Madhya  Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for a period of 6 years from 01.04.2020 with an aim to arrest decline  in  ground  water  level  through  a  participatory  approach  led  by  community  for  sustainable groundwater management. Financial assistance is provided to States in the form of incentive which are utilized  to  implement  the  various  demand  and  supply  side  activities.  States  take  up  the  revival  and construction  of  traditional  water  harvesting  systems  as  supply-side  interventions  under  Atal  Bhujal Yojana.

***

## ANNEXURE

## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3016  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  07.08.2025  REGARDING  'REVIVAL  OF CONVENTIONAL WATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS'.

| S. No.   | Name of the Water Heritage Structure                                                                         | States                      |
|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| 1.       | Panighat Aqueduct                                                                                            | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 2.       | K.c. Canal Aqueduct across Hundri River                                                                      | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 3.       | Cumbum Tank                                                                                                  | Andhra Pradesh              |
| 4.       | Porumamilla Tank (Anantharaja Sagaram)                                                                       | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 5.       | Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage (Dowleshwaram Anicut)                                                              | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 6.       | Gaurisagar Pukhuri                                                                                           | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 7.       | Lakshimpur Pukhuri                                                                                           | Assam                       |
| 8.       | Bor Pukhuri or Sivasagar Tank                                                                                | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 9.       | Joysagar pukhuri                                                                                             | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 10.      | Sher Shah Suri Pond                                                                                          | Bihar                       |
| 11.      | Agam Kuan                                                                                                    | Bihar                       |
| 12.      | Sita Bari (Dug well)                                                                                         | Chhattisgarh                |
| 13.      | Agrasen ki Baoli                                                                                             | Delhi                       |
| 14.      | Rani ki Vav                                                                                                  | Gujarat                     |
| 15.      | Lothal Docks                                                                                                 | Gujarat                     |
| 16.      | Ahmedabad Lake System including Kankaria Lake, Chandola lake &Sarkhej Roza                                   | Gujarat                     |
| 17.      | Sudarshan Tal                                                                                                | Gujarat                     |
| 18.      | Hamirsar Lake/Hamirsagar                                                                                     | Gujarat                     |
| 19.      | Sudarshan Tal                                                                                                | Gujarat                     |
| 20.      | The Western Yamuna Canal                                                                                     | Haryana                     |
| 21.      | Surajkund                                                                                                    | Gujarat                     |
| 22.      | Bhagsu Nag Temple water body                                                                                 | Himachal Pradesh            |
| 23.      | Ancient Temple Laduv / Ladhoo (Sanyasar Nag)                                                                 | Jammu and Kashmir           |
| 24.      | Topchanchi Lake                                                                                              | Jharkhand                   |
| 25.      | Vijayanagar canals system                                                                                    | Karnataka                   |
| 26.      | New Madaga tank                                                                                              | Karnataka                   |
| 27.      | Stepwell at Durga Gdi complex Aihole (a UNESCO world heritage site)                                          | Karnataka                   |
| 28.      | The cascading tank ecosystem of Karnataka-: Cholanagunte / Suddagunte                                        | Karnataka                   |
| 29.      | First piped water supply system for Bengaluru Hesarghatta lake , Syphon, Brick Aqueduct and Pumping stations | Karnataka                   |
| 30.      | Kerala Waterways                                                                                             | Kerala                      |
| 31.      | Peralassery Subramanya Temple                                                                                | Karnataka                   |
| 32.      | Karzu Zing (Pond)                                                                                            | Ladakh                      |
| 33. 34.  | Khooni Bhandara Upper Lake                                                                                   | Madhya Pradesh              |
|          | Mandu (Malwa Plateau) system of of water collection in                                                       | Madhya Pradesh              |
| 35.      | over 1200 tanks supporting the city                                                                          | Madhya Pradesh              |

| 36.   | Mahal Gulara                                                                                                                                                                        |                                          |
|-------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| 37.   | Chandeva ki bawadi                                                                                                                                                                  |                                          |
| 38.   | Tank System of Bundelkhand                                                                                                                                                          |                                          |
| 39.   | Dhamapur Lake                                                                                                                                                                       |                                          |
| 40.   | Aurangabad System ('Nehers of Aurangabad' - 'Neher-e-Ambari' &'Neher-e-Panchakki'.)                                                                                                 | Maharashtra                              |
| 41.   | Raigad Fort                                                                                                                                                                         |                                          |
| 42.   | Baramotichi Vihir                                                                                                                                                                   |                                          |
| 43.   | Kangla Moats                                                                                                                                                                        | Manipur                                  |
| 44.   | Bamboo Drip Irrigation , West Jaintia Hills                                                                                                                                         | Meghalaya                                |
| 45.   | Saptui Water Point                                                                                                                                                                  | Mizoram                                  |
| 46.   | Baitarani Irriagation Project                                                                                                                                                       |                                          |
| 47.   | Rushikulya Irrigation System including Russelkonda Reservoir, Reservoir, Janivilli Anicut & Madhabarida Anicut Anicut)                                                              | Odisha                                   |
|       | Sorada (Ghumusar                                                                                                                                                                    |                                          |
| 48.   | Aam khas bagh (Daulat Khana-i- Khas)                                                                                                                                                | Punjab                                   |
| 49.   | Bahour Irrgigation Tank                                                                                                                                                             | Puducherry                               |
| 50.   | Udaipur Lake System including Pichola Lake, Madaar Lake, Dhebar Lake (also known as Jaisamand Lake) , Swaroop Sagar/ Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Jaisamand Lake, Udaisagar and Bari Lake. |                                          |
| 51.   | Rajsamand Lake &Dam                                                                                                                                                                 |                                          |
| 52.   | Chand Baori                                                                                                                                                                         | Rajasthan                                |
| 53.   | Gadsisar Lake System                                                                                                                                                                |                                          |
| 54.   | Kaylana Lake and Takhat Sagar lake                                                                                                                                                  |                                          |
| 55.   | Ajmer Lake/ Ana Sagar Lake                                                                                                                                                          |                                          |
| 56.   | Toorji Ki Bawari                                                                                                                                                                    |                                          |
| 57.   | Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut on the Kaveri)                                                                                                                                           |                                          |
| 58.   | Veeranam Tank                                                                                                                                                                       |                                          |
| 59.   | Kalingarayan Anicut                                                                                                                                                                 | Tamil Nadu                               |
| 60.   | Lower Anicut                                                                                                                                                                        |                                          |
| 61.   | Buckingham Canal (Kommamur Canal)                                                                                                                                                   | Tamil Nadu/Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh |
| 62.   | Noyyal River System Tanks                                                                                                                                                           |                                          |
| 63.   | Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam                                                                                                                                                       | Tamil Nadu                               |
| 64.   | Hussain Sagar Lake (Tank Bund)                                                                                                                                                      |                                          |
| 65.   | Kakatiya Interconnected Tank System                                                                                                                                                 |                                          |
| 66.   | Sadarmatt Anicut                                                                                                                                                                    | Telangana                                |
| 67.   | Golconda Fort Water Systems                                                                                                                                                         |                                          |
| 68.   | Kamalasagar Dighi with Temple                                                                                                                                                       | Tripura                                  |
| 69.   | Sringaverapura                                                                                                                                                                      |                                          |
| 70.   | Barua Sagar                                                                                                                                                                         |                                          |
| 71.   | NadraiPul                                                                                                                                                                           | Uttar Pradesh                            |
| 72.   | Shukla Talab                                                                                                                                                                        |                                          |
| 73.   | Solani Aqueduct                                                                                                                                                                     |                                          |
| 74.   | Naula or covered spring attached to temple                                                                                                                                          | Uttarakhand                              |
| 75.   | Midnapore Anicut                                                                                                                                                                    | West Bengal                              |

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