(a) whether water bodies in rural areas are getting dried up;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/ UT-wise including Andhra Pradesh during the last four years
and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the corrective steps being taken/ proposed to be taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b) According to 3rd Minor Irrigation census conducted by Ministry of Water Resources with
reference year 2000-2001, the number of water bodies identified in the country are 5.56 lakh. The total
number of water bodies not in use are 85807. This includes both urban and rural water bodies. The state-
wise details of water bodies not in use as per 3rd Minor Irrigation census are given in Annexure.
(c) To revive, restore and rehabilitate the traditional water bodies in india, the MoWR, Government of
India had launched a pilot scheme for “Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies directly
linked to Agriculture†during X Plan. The works of 1085 water bodies were completed in 26 districts of 15
states.
During XI Plan, two schemes of Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies were launched- one
with domestic support and the other with external assistance. The scheme envisaged comprehensive improvement
of selected tank systems including de-silting of water bodies, improvement of catchment areas of tank
commands, increase in storage capacity of water bodies, ground water recharge, improvement in agriculture,
horticulture productivity, development of tourism, cultural activities and increased availability of drinking
water. Under the Scheme with domestic support, 3341 water bodies were taken up for restoration. This includes
1029 number of water bodies of Andhra Pradesh. The works have been completed on 1736 water bodies including
117 water bodies of Andhra Pradesh. Under the scheme of external assistance, 10887 water bodies have been
taken up for restoration. This includes 3000 water bodies of Andhra Pradesh. The works have been completed
on 4244 water bodies including 1119 water bodies of Andhra Pradesh.
The scheme for RRR of water bodies for implementation during XII Plan is under formulation.