(a) whether the Government proposes to give priority to renovation and restoration of water bodies by repairing ponds, stepwells, lakes and wells in rural areas under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has set any targets to increase water storage capacity in the country with the help of MGNREGA; and
(d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. As per Para 4 of Schedule-I of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 the renovation of traditional water bodies including desilting of irrigation tanks and other water bodies, are permitted under MGNREGA and are being carried out on priority under MGNREGA.
(c)&(d): Yes, Madam. In the current financial year, 2016-17, a target of constructing 8,82,325 Farm Ponds under MGNREGA has been kept. State/ UT wise details of the targets of constructing Farm Ponds are given in the Annexure.
In addition to above, following water related works are permitted under MGNREGA and being taken up:
Category: A: PUBLIC WORKS RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(i) Water conservation and water harvesting structures
(ii) Watershed management works resulting in a comprehensive treatment of a watershed;
(iii) Micro and minor irrigation works and creation, renovation and maintenance of irrigation canals and drains;
Category B: COMMUNITY ASSETS OR INDIVIDUAL ASSETS:
(i) Improving productivity of lands by providing suitable infrastructure for irrigation including dug wells, farm ponds and other water harvesting structures;
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