THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) The average annual availability of water resources in the Country has been
assessed to be 1869 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM). However, the utilizable water resources
considering topographic, hydrological and other constraints has been estimated to be
1123 BCM comprising 690 BCM of surface water and 433 BCM of replenishable ground water.
(b) The overall stage of ground water development has increased from 58% as on 2004
to 61% in 2009. However, the development of ground water resources in different areas
of the country has not been uniform. Intensive development of ground water in certain
areas in the country has resulted in over – exploitation. The State-wise details of
ground water level fluctuation for the last five year from May, 2006 to May, 2011 are
given at Annexure.
(c) & (d) Measures to control over-exploitation of ground water resources are to
be undertaken by the respective State Governments. Central Ground Water Authority has
also notified 162 over-exploited areas in the Country for regulation of ground water
development and management.
(e) States having major over-exploitation of ground water include Delhi, Haryana,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Uttar Pradesh, Daman & Diu and Puducherry. Main reason for over-exploitation of ground
water is its use in agriculture sector.
(f) To ensure that there is no over-exploitation of ground water, a Model Bill has
been circulated to all the States / UTs to enable them to enact ground water legislation
for its regulation and development. Besides, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has
issued directives to Chief Secretaries of 12 States and Administrators of 2 UTs having
over-exploited blocks so as to take measures to promote / adopt artificial recharge to
ground water / rainwater harvesting. CGWA has also taken up with various Central and
State organizations for adopting rainwater harvesting and recharge to the ground water.
