(a) the volume of river water flowing into the sea in the country; and
(b) the efforts being made by the Government to channelize the river water for fruitful uses?
(a) the volume of river water flowing into the sea in the country; and
(b) the efforts being made by the Government to channelize the river water for fruitful uses?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES. RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (PROF. SANWAR LAL JAT)
(a) The average annual water availability in the country has been assessed as 1869 billion cubic meters (BCM). It has been estimated in the year 2009 by Central Water Commission (CWC) that about 450 BCM of surface water is being utilized for various purposes. Further, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has assessed in the year 2011 that about 245 BCM of ground water is being utilized for various purposes. The rest of the water could be considered to be flowing down to sea.
(b) Water being a State Subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and management of water including channelization of river water for fruitful uses are undertaken by the respective State Governments. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to State Government to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes viz. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP); Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies etc.
Government of India has also launched the National Water Mission with the objective of `conservation of water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution both across and within States through integrated water resources development and management`.