Increasing Groundwater Level

Jal Shakti Abhiyan, 2019 and Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA:CTR), 2021 have shown positive impact for water conservation, groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting. While around 6.20 lakh water related works were completed and 12.36 crore intensive afforestation were carried out under JSA 2019, more than 46.70 lakh water related works were taken up along with more than 36.75 crore intensive afforestation activities under JSA:CTR 2021as on 25.03.2022. Water related works included rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional & other water bodies, reuse & recharge of structures & watershed development. Quantification of impact of these campaigns may not be precisely possible at this stage as the groundwater scenario is cumulative effect of rainfall, works under JSAs and other efforts of State Governments.However, beyond the physical works undertaken, these campaigns have generated huge awareness about conservation and other aspects related to water.

Central  Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has advised States/UTs to take measures to promote/adopt artificial recharge to ground water / rain water harvesting. CGWA grants No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for ground water abstraction to Industries, Infrastructure units and Mining projects in feasible areas in certain States/UTs. Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020 has been prepared by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in consultation with States/UTs which is a macro level plan indicating various structures for the different terrain conditions of the country. CGWB has taken up Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme to delineate aquifer disposition and their characterization for preparation of aquifer/ area specific ground water management plans with community participation. The management plans are shared with the respective State governments for taking appropriate measures/ implementation.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) implements Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in municipal areas. MoHUA has formulated guidelines for the States to adopt measures suitable to local conditions, such as Unified Building Bye Laws (UBBL) of Delhi, 2016, Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL), 2016 and Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014.

 “Jal Shakti Abhiyan : Catch the Rain” (JSA:CTR)- 2022 has been launched by Hon’ble President on 29^th March, 2022 which includes renovation of traditional and other water bodies as one of the interventions/ activities. It also envisages enumeration, geo-tagging of water bodies and preparation of scientific plans based on it. The campaign is being implemented during 29.03.2022 to 30.11.2022. Earlier Jal Shakti Abhiyans viz. JSA 2019 and JSA:CTR 2021 also focussed upon creation and renovation of water bodies. Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies scheme under Pradhan Mantri Sinchayee Yojana – Har Khet Ko Pani (PMKSY-HKKP) is in operation to supplement the efforts of State Governments by providing technical and financial assistance.

This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written  reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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 AS