Question : CONSERVATION OF GROUND WATER

(a) whether the schemes formulated by the Government during the last three years for conservation of ground water in the States have yielded the desired result;

(b) if so, whether the expenses are being incurred as per the ratio fixed for the Centre and the States against the funds allocated under the schemes;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has fixed any target for conservation of ground water and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the schemes formulated by the Government to check indiscriminate exploitation of ground water?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES & MINORITY AFFAIRS ( SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) No specific scheme for conservation of ground water was formulated during the last three years. However, demonstrative projects on rain water harvesting and artificial recharge were implemented during the XI Plan under the scheme Ground Water Management and Regulation of CGWB. The projects approved for implementation during the last three years are yet to be completed. Impact assessment of recharge structures will be carried out after their completion.

(b) & (c) Yes Madam, Demonstrative Projects are under implementation under the central sector scheme of “Ground Water Management &Regulation” during the XI Plan. Full cost of recharge structures has been met by the Central Ground Water Board. The funds sanctioned so far are Rs.99.87 crore during the XIth Plan.

(d) No such time period has been fixed for conservation of ground water.

(e) No such scheme has been formulated to check indiscriminate exploitation of ground water. However, the following regulatory measures have been undertaken by the Central Ground Water Authority for the purpose:-

i). Notification of 82 areas in the country by Central Ground Water Authority for regulation of ground water development and management.

ii). Issuance of directions by CGWA to large and medium Industries using ground water in the over exploited and critical areas in the country (except in the water logged areas) to take up water conservation measures including recharge of ground water/rain water harvesting and adopt practices of treatment, recycle and reuse of waste water in their premises.

iii). Evaluation of proposals based on site specific technical studies and guidelines laid by Central Ground Water Authority for issuing NOC for withdrawal of ground water for new industries/ projects falling in over-exploited, critical and semi-critical areas in the country.

iv). Circulation Model Bill to regulate and control development and management of ground water to the States/ UTs by Ministry of Water Resources. So far fourteen States/ UTs namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have enacted ground water legislation. Matter is being actively pursued with other States.