Lok Sabha Question No. 772 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-28
Subject: Scarcity of Water for Irrigation
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF LAND RESOURCES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 772 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.04.2016

## Scarcity of Water for Irrigation

## 772. SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the scarcity of water for irrigation purposes in so of the country which is affecting farmers adversely;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to help constructing 'Khet Talab' (farming ponds) as part of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to augment water for irrigation, if so, the details thereof along with the time by which th ese 'Khet Talab' are likely to be constructed; and
- (d) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to provide assistance to the farmers in getting adequate quantum of water for irrigation purpose?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. As per the information of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Welfarethe rainfall during the monsoon season 2015 - 16, i.e., June to September was deficient by ab 14%. The  rainfall  during  the period  1.10.2015  to  30.12.2015  and  1.1.16  to  29.2.2016  has  also deficient by about 23% and 57% respectively. This has led to water scarcity in some parts of

(c) Yes, Madam. A national target of constructing 5 lakh Farm Ponds under MGNREGA in the current financial year has been kept.

(d) Following steps have, inter -alia , been taken by different Ministries/ Departments of the Gover to provide assistance to the farmers in getting adequate quantum of water for irrigation pur

- a) During 2015 - 16, Central Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yo (PMKSY) to improve access to Irrigation and mitigate risk of farmers by providin irrigation by focusing on 'Har Khet ko Pani'.
- b) Department  of  Land  Resources  implements  the  wate rshed  development  component  of PMKSY for development of rainfed / degraded areas under which major activities inter  alia include  ridge  area  treatment,  drainage  line  treatment,  soil  and conservation,  rain  water  harvesting,  nursery  raising, afforestation,  horticulture,  pastu development, livelihoods for assetless persons.
- c) Central  Government  has  launched  the  National  Water  Mission  with  the  objecti conservation of water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distrib th across and within States through integrated water resources development and mana One  of  the  goals  of  National  Water  Mission  is  focused  attention  to  vulnera including over - exploited areas.
- d) The  State  Governments  have  been  requested to  prep are and implement an action plan to develop  their  Water  Strategies  using  local  intelligence,  innovations  and  tech conserve rain water and to optimize Water Management.
- e) State Governments undertake several measures to augment the water resources which inter -alia include conservation and augmentation of ground water. Ministry of Water Res River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation provides technical and financial assista nce to the State Governments in this regard through various schemes and programmes.

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