Question : COMMITTEE ON RESTORATION OF WATER BODIES

(a) whether a large number of traditional water harvesting structures such as ponds and water tanks have gone under disuse due to siltation;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the expenditure so far incurred by the Government on revival or restoration of these water bodies, State-wise;

(d) whether the Union Government proposes to set up a Committee on the expansion of a pilot scheme on national projects on repair, renovation and restoration of water bodies;

(e) if so, the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard;

(f) the number of requests received by the Union Government from the States particularly Government of Andhra Pradesh for restoration of such water bodies particularly in Hyderabad; and

(g) the action taken by the Government thereon and provision of funds made for the purpose?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES, PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND WATER RESOURCES (SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV)


(a) & (b) Yes Sir. As per 2001 Minor Irrigation Census there are 72198 irrigation tanks and storage structures which have gone into dis- use due to siltation in the tank bed, breakdown of channels, encroachment and other factors. A statement showing the State-wise distribution is at Annexure-I.


(c), (d) & (e) The Government launched a pilot scheme of national project to repair, renovate and modernize traditional water bodies. This pilot scheme meant for one or two districts in each State. As the pilot project is in its early stage of implementation, it is too early to constitute a committee for expansion of the project.

(f) & (g) The State-wise proposals received and funds released is at Annexure-II.


ANNEXURE –I
NUMBER OF TANK + STORAGES NOT IN USE