(a) whether the Government would look into and apply both time-tested techniques and modern
innovation to conserve and harness water especially in urban areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this direction in each State including
Tamil Nadu;
(c) the funds spent in this regard during the 11th Five Year Plan;
(d) the result achieved for the period, State/UT-wise; and
(e) the future action plan prepared to meet the needs of the country by 2025?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) to (c) The Central Government promotes conservation and sustainable harnessing of water
resources for various uses, namely drinking water, irrigation, industries etc. The State Governments
undertake measures for conservation of water resources through reservoirs, traditional water bodies,
rainwater harnessing, artificial recharge to ground water, etc., and implements various schemes for
water supply for drinking and industrial uses as well as providing irrigation facilities. The Central
Government supplements these efforts of the State government, both technically and financially, through
various schemes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP); Command Area Development and
Water Management (CAD & WM); and Repair Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies. A Statement
indicating the outlays and the actual expenditure in respect of the above mentioned schemes / programmes
during the Eleventh Five Year Plan is given at Annexure I.
(d) As a result of the efforts, the total live storage capacity of 253.388 Billion Cubic Meters
has been created and the Irrigation Potential Created has increased to 110.86 million hectares. Statements
indicating the State-wise total live storage capacity created and total irrigation potential created are
given at Annexure II and III respectively.
(e) The conservation and harnessing of water is an ongoing effort by the Central and State
Governments. The above mentioned schemes / programmes would continue to meet the future needs of the
country. The outlays for the XII Five Year Plan (2012-2017) in respect of AIBP, CAD&WM and RRR of Water
Bodies are Rs. 47050 crores, Rs. 15000 crores and Rs. 6235 crores respectively.