Question : Storage Capacity of Reservoirs

(a) the storage capacity added in the water bodies especially reservoirs during the current as well as last Five Year Plan to ensure that rain water is not wasted and does not go to sea directly;
(b) whether rate of addition of storage capacity is sufficient to take care of the needs of Indian citizen keeping in view the huge scarcity of water at various places, if so, the details and extent thereof;
(c) whether the storage reservoirs of the country meet the global standards as per the size, capacity, safety and other technological advancements, if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken to enhance the storage capacity along with exercise to be taken to meet the global standards in the matter?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a) As per assessment made by Water Commission (CWC), live storage capacity of completed projects in the country in 2010 was about 253.388 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) where as it was around 225.14 BCM in 2004. Thus the storage capacity created during the period of 2004 to 2010 (6 years) is about 28.248 BCM.

(b) As per assessment done by CWC in 1993, the utilizable water with conventional approach is 1121 BCM which comprises of 690 BCM of surface water and 431 BCM of replenishable ground water resources. For harnessing of utilizable surface water it has been estimated that approximate live storage capacity of 450 BCM is required. The present addition of storage capacity may be required to speed up to take care of future needs.

(c) Storage reservoirs in India are planned and created by State Government by constructing dams across river streams as per the Bureau of India Standards which are framed and updated duly taking into account the global standards.

(d) Water being a State subject, planning, execution, operation and maintenance of water resources projects including creation of additional storage are undertaken by the concerned State Governments as per their own resources and priorities. Central Governments provides technical and financial assistance to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes viz. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) etc.

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