(a) whether the availability of ground water in various parts of the country is
negligible due to continuous drought;
(b) if so, whether the Government has chalked out any action plan to fulfil drinking water demand of the people in rural areas in view of the prevailing drought in most of the States in the country; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
(SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)
(a) As reported by Central Ground Water Board, the latest Assessment of the ground water resource (as in 2011) of the country jointly carried out by Central Ground Water Board and State Ground Water Department, the Annual Replenishable Ground Water Resource of the country is 433 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), the Net Annual Ground Water Availability is 398 BCM. The Annual Ground Water Draft is 245 BCM and the Stage of Ground Water Development is 62%.
In some parts of the country, there are long term decline in ground water level due to indiscriminate withdrawal of ground water in excess of Net Annual Ground Water Availability. As per the Ground Water Resources Assessment of 2011, there were 1071 ‘Over-exploited’ assessment units, where Stage of Ground Water Development is more than 100% and there is significant decline in long term water level either pre-monsoon or post-monsoon water level or both. Further, there are 217 ‘Critical’ assessment units, where stage of ground water development is between 90% and 100% and there is long term decline in water level in both pre-monsoon as well as post monsoon water level. In addition there are 697 ‘Semi-critical’ assessment units, where stage of ground water development is between 70% and 100% and there are showing significant decline in long term trend of ground water level in other pre-monsoon or post-monsoon. The details are given in Annexure.
(b) and (c) In view of water shortage in Marathwada & Bundelkhand Region, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has deputed technical teams comprising officers of Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) for on the spot study of water situation and interaction with the State Government. They have proposed various short and long term measures including excavation of bore wells, artificial recharge to ground water and rainwater harvesting and mass awareness programmes on water conservation etc. CGWB has prepared a conceptual document entitled “Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water in India” during the year 2013, which envisages construction of different types of Artificial Recharge and Rainwater Harvesting structures in the Country including Bundelkhand and Marathwada region by harnessing surplus monsoon runoff to augment ground water resources. The Master Plan has been circulated to all State Governments for implementation. It has also been circulated to Hon’ble Members of Parliament for implementation in their respective constituencies. Further, CGWB has prioritized Bundelkhand and parts of Marathwada region for Aquifer Mapping and Management Program. The aquifer mapping is aimed to delineate aquifer disposition and their characterization along with quantification and for preparation of aquifer/ area specific ground water management plans. On completion of program, management plans will be shared with the respective State Government for taking necessary measures and its implementation.