(a) whether some rural areas of the country face shortage of drinking water due
to adverse effect on availability of ground water in recent years;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has provided financial assistance and technical support to
the State Governments to cope up with the situation; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
(SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI )
(a ) and (b ) Due to different hydro-geological conditions existing in the country , the overall availability of
groundwater varies from place to place. As per dater made available by Central Ground Water Board, Ministry
of Water Resources as on Nov 2011, out of 5842 blocks assessed, 623 blocks are semicritical , 169 critical,
71 saline, and 802 blocks are over exploited. In order to assist the State Governments in siting correct
locations for production wells and recharge structures , the Ministry has got prepared hydro geomorphological
maps (ground water prospect maps) and handed over to most of the States.
(c ) and (d ) Under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), the Government of India provides
financial and technical assistance to States to supplement their efforts to provide adequate safe drinking water
to the rural population. Under the programme up to 10 percent of the total release made to the States could
be utilized for improving sustainability of sources.