Lok Sabha Question No. 4073 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-19
Subject: Flood-carrying Capacity of Waterways and Courses
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4073

ANSWERED ON 19.12.2024

## FLOOD-CARRYING CAPACITY OF WATERWAYS AND COURSES

## 4073.    SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR SHRI EATALA RAJENDER SMT. D K ARUNA

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether the major waterways and river courses carrying surplus or floodwater, running for a distance of nearly 250 km, in and around the various cities would have better flood-carrying capacity during monsoon from major reservoirs and various waterbodies in several areas of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the surplus courses would be cleared and water channels surplus course would also be de-silted and if so, the details along with the present status thereof;

(c)  whether  various  departments  have  also  allotted  funds  to  remove  weeds  and  floating  waste  from  major waterways  on  vulnerable  stretches,  particularly  near  checkdams,  to  alleviate  flooding  and  obstructions  in some stretches of various rivers and if so, the details and the present status thereof; and

(d) the funds sanctioned and utilised in this regard during the last five years and the current year, State-wise?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) & (b) The desilting measures including dredging in specific reaches of rivers for removal of drainage congestion,  channel  capacity  improvement  and  navigation  purpose  are  formulated  and  implemented  by concerned  States/  agencies  as  per  requirement. Dredging/desilting  of  rivers  is  not  considered  technoeconomically feasible, as it can provide marginal benefits and is effective only for a short period. Selective dredging in specific reaches such as tidal rivers, confluence points with narrow constrictions, etc., sometimes may have to be undertaken based upon local site conditions. However, the same should be backed by proper scientific model study.

Further,  for  the  comprehensive  and  holistic  management  of  sediments  in  river  courses  and  water bodies, in a holistic manner, the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, in extensive consultations with Central Government Ministries/ Departments/ State Governments/  UTs  have  prepared  the  'National  Framework  for  Sediment  Management  (NFSM)".  Its emphasis is on reducing silt generation rather than silt removal and promote technological innovations & best practices. The framework lays emphasis on sediment management  through integrated river basin management plan giving due consideration to environment and ecology.

(c) & (d) Ministry  of  Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has taken several steps towards sustainable management and  conservation  of  water  bodies  in  urban  areas  through  issuance  of  various  guidelines  and implementation  of  National  Missions  i.e.,  Atal  Mission  for  Rejuvenation  and  Urban  Transformation (AMRUT) & AMRUT 2.0.

Under AMRUT 2.0, so far, 3078 water body rejuvenation projects across various States worth  Rs 6159 crore have been approved by  MoHUA, wherein the components like rejuvenation of water bodies by desilting, harvesting rainwater through storm water drains and creation / strengthening of storm water drains around water bodies are also included, among others.

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