(a) the total number of water bodies at present in the country along with
the annual capacity thereof;
(b) whether the Government has made any assessment of the available water resources
and demand of water in urban and rural areas; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) According to 3rd Minor Irrigation census conducted by Ministry of Water Resources
with reference year 2000-2001, the number of water bodies identified in the country are
5.56 lakh. The total number of water bodies not in use are 85807. Out of 5.56 lakh water
bodies, there are 2.39 lakh public owned water bodies. Information on number of water bodies
was collected through 3rd Minor Irrigation Census with reference year 2000-01 wherein the
information on annual capacity of water bodies were not compiled.
(b) & (c) Yes, Madam. As per Working Group Report for Major & Medium Irrigation Projects
for XII Plan, the available water resources have been assessed to be 1869 BCM. However, in
view of the physiographical and topographical features, the utilizable water, both for urban
and rural areas, is assessed as 1123 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM), comprising of 690 BCM of Surface
water and 433 BCM of replenishable groundwater. By 2050, the annual water demand as assessed by
National Commission on Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD) will be in the range of
973-1180 BCM both for urban and rural areas.