Question : DRYING UP OF WATER RESOURCES

(a) the scheme formulated by the Government to make up water resources to solve water crises in various States including Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and the funds allocated for the purpose;

(b) whether the water level of wells, ponds and reservoirs has declined due to drying up of traditional water sources and this problem has further aggravated in irrigated areas due to inadequate supply of water in the canals; and

(c) if so, the details of new projects initiated by the Government to tackle water crisis?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SMT. BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)

(a) to (c) Water being a State subject, water resources schemes including the schemes to overcome the shortage of water resources are formulated, planned, executed and funded by the concerned State Governments as per their own priorities.

As the rainfall distribution has either been deficient or scanty in many of the states, the water levels of wells, ponds and reservoirs have declined. The State Governments have however, been advised to make judicious use of water available in the reservoirs, giving priority to drinking water supply. States have also been advised to take over the exploratory wells drilled by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) for enhancing their water supply.

Government of India is also promoting rain water harvesting through Watershed Management Programme, artificial recharge of ground water and roof-top rain water harvesting under the sector reform project of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme under the Ministry of Rural Development, for which technical and financial assistance is provided to the State Governments and other implementing agencies. Central Ground Water Board has taken up a Central Sector Scheme on “Studies of Recharge to Ground Water” on pilot basis.

To help the State Governments in their efforts to harness the water from natural resources and accelerate creation of irrigation potential by early completion of ongoing schemes, Government of India has launched Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) since 1996- 97 to provide central loan assistance. Accordingly, the Central Loan Assistance (CLA) amounting to Rs.466.17 crore to the State Government of Rajasthan and Rs.1114.86 crore to the State Government of Uttar Pradesh have been provided under AIBP upto end of 2001-02 and an amount of Rs.92.06 crore to the State Government of Rajasthan and Rs.155.25 crore to the State Government of Uttar Pradesh have been released so far during the year 2002-2003.

As a long term measure, National Perspective Plan for water resources development has been formulated which envisages inter-linking of rivers by transferring of water from surplus basins/areas to water deficit basins/areas. Under the Himalayan component of the Plan, Sarda-Yamuna-Rajasthan and Rajasthan-Sabarmati link canals are envisaged to provide benefits of irrigation, drinking water, etc. to Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.