(a) whether the number of lakes in the country has declined over the years;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has launched any Centrally Sponsored Scheme for their conservation;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Union Government has received any proposals from various State Governments for conservation of natural lakes in their States; and
(f) if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (d) The Ministry is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) for conservation and management of polluted and degraded lakes in urban and semi-urban areas of the country, on a 70:30 cost sharing basis between the Central Government and the respective State Governments.
As regards decline in number of lakes in the states, the Ministry has not received any information. However, there is a reduction in expanse of the lakes due to rapid urbanization and various developmental activities.
(e) & (f) The Ministry has, so far, sanctioned projects for conservation of 61 lakes in 14 States/UTs with the total cost of Rs.1031.20 crore.