(a) whether the Government has any plan to tap water resources by constructing dams (small level) which is otherwise wasted and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the local people in rural areas are being encouraged for such a planning; and
(c) if so, the planning of the Government for hilly areas where the water is wasted during rainy season which could be contained by construction of small dams?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION; PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND TEXTILES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE). (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a)to(c) Water being a State subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management to ensure sustainability of water resources development projects are undertaken by the respective State Governments as per their own resources, requirements and priorities. Accordingly, the irrigation projects including minor irrigation projects are undertaken by the respective State Governments. With a view to encourage the completion of ongoing projects and help states in creation of irrigation potential, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP). In case of minor irrigation schemes, the central assistance (grant) to states is provided to the projects in the case of North-Eastern Region, hilly states (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand), Undivided Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi (KBK) districts of Orissa and projects benefitting tribal areas and drought prone areas, DDP and naxal affected areas in non-special category states.
A total no. of 16456 MI Schemes with a combined total estimated cost of Rs.22572.7391 crores have been taken up in the statesupto 30.07.2014 of which 12355 MI schemes have been completed till date. The total potential planned of above schemes is 24.4823713 lakh ha. An irrigation potential of 14.3940202 lakh ha has been achieved.
The Government of India has adopted the National Water Policy – 2012 (NWP-2012), which inter-alia stresses that:, “The specific problems of hilly areas like sudden run off, weak water holding capacity of soil, erosion and sediment transport and recharging of hill slope aquifers should be adequately addressed.”
Ministry of Rural Development has informed that as per schedule I – para-4(I) (i) of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, the work relating to water conservation and water harvesting structures to augment and improve ground water like underground dykes, earth dams, stop dams, check dams with special focus on recharging ground water including drinking water sources have been allowed.