Due to substantial variation in temporal and spatial distribution of rainfall in India, there is a need for adequate storage of water in the Country. As per information available with Central Water Commission (CWC), the gross and live storage capacity created due to the completed projects in the Country is 325.455 BCM and 249.093 BCM respectively. There are 397 dams in the country which are under construction stage with total gross storage capacity of 29.615 BCM.

Further, total water requirement of the country for different uses, for high demand scenario, for the year 2025 and 2050 has been assessed by National Commission on Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD)-1999 as 843 BCM and 1180 BCM respectively.

  Water resources projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priorities. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes.

There are significant reserves of underground water. Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater-2020 has been prepared by CGWB 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 envisages construction of about 1.42 crore rain water harvesting and artificial recharge structures in the country to harness 185 BCM of monsoon rainfall.

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India launched the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” (JSA:CTR) on 22 March, 2021, the World Water Day, with the theme “Catch the Rain-Where it Falls When it Falls”. This movement is aimed at creating appropriate rainwater harvesting structures in urban and rural areas of all the districts in the country, with people’s active participation during 22 March, 2021 to 30 November, 2021 – the pre-monsoon and monsoon period. 

During 2016-17, ninety-nine (99) on-going Major/Medium irrigation projects under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), having balance estimated cost of Rs.77,595 crore (with central assistance component of Rs.31,342 crore), have been prioritized in consultation with States for completion in phases. Out of these, AIBP works of 46 projects having total gross storage capacity of 27.58 BCM have been reported to be completed.

This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri  Bishweswar Tudu  in a written  reply in Rajya Sabha today.

 

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