(a) whether many water reservoirs in the country are not being used for the last decade;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken to utilize these water reservoirs alongwith the success achieved during
the last three years as a result thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) to (d) Mostly, the water reservoirs are owned by the State Governments and maintenance
and operation of reservoir is within the purview of the State Government/reservoir owners.
However, Central Water Commission monitors storage position of 81 important reservoirs in
the country on weekly basis.
Numerous small water bodies such as lakes, ponds and similar structure have fallen
into disuse over the years due to various reasons. For revival of these small water bodies,
Ministry of Water Resources in January 2005 approved a Pilot Scheme `National Project for
Repair, Renovation & Restoration of Water Bodies Directly Linked to Agriculture` for
implementation during the remaining part of Xth Plan. Under the scheme, works in 1098 water
bodies have been taken up for 26 districts in 15 states at a Cost of Rs.299.92 crore.