Measures For Revival of Water Bodies UPSC
Source : PIB
Food and Agriculture, Environment

What is discussed under Measures For Revival of Water Bodies UPSC ?

1. 6th minor irrigation census
2. Steps taken by the Central Government
3. Previous Questions

Why in News ?

Information was given by the Union Minister in a written reply in Lok Sabha about various measures taken by government to tackle ground water crisis.

Key Facts

• Ground water levels in various parts of the country are declining because of continuous withdrawal necessitated by increased demand of fresh water for various uses, vagaries of rainfall, increased population, industrialization and urbanization etc.
• Ongoing 6th minor irrigation census is for the first time, collecting details of all water bodies (both in rural and urban areas) irrespective of their use, and this will form the basis of monitoring the health and spread of water bodies.
• Water
  • It is a State subject.
  • Initiatives on water management including conservation & water harvesting and revival/rejuvenation of water bodies in the Country is primarily States’ responsibility.
  • Major initiatives by state government are
    • Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan in Rajasthan
    • Jalyukt Shibar in Maharashtra
    • Sujalam Sufalam Abhiyan in Gujarat
    • Mission Kakatiya in Telangana
    • Neeru Chettu in Andhra Pradesh
    • Jal Jeevan Hariyali in Bihar
    • Jal Hi Jeevan in Haryana

Steps taken by the Central Government

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) in 2019
  • Time bound campaign with a mission mode approach intended to improve water availability including ground

    

    water conditions in the water stressed blocks of 256 districts in India.

  • Teams of officers from Central Government along-with technical officers from Ministry of Jal Shakti were deputed to visit water stressed districts.
  • Team work in close collaboration with district level officials to undertake suitable interventions.
  • In addition Jal Shakti Abhiyan  Catch the Rain campaign has been launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 22 March 2021.
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
  • Implementing National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM), which envisages mapping of aquifers (water bearing formations), their characterisation and development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate sustainable management of Ground Water Resources.
  • The State-wise information is shared with States/Uts for implementation.
  • Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020 has been prepared by CGWB.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)
  • Rs.6,000.00 crore Central Sector Scheme.
  • Aims for sustainable management of ground water resources with community participation.
  • Atal Jal is being implemented in 81 water stressed districts and 8774 Gram Panchayats of seven States viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies
  • DoWR, RD & GR is implementing body.
  • Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with main objectives as comprehensive improvement and restoration of water bodies.
  • Increasing tank storage capacity, improvement of catchment areas of tank command etc.
  • States are to take necessary steps for declaring the water body boundary through a Government order
  • States mandated to ensure removal of encroachments in the water body spread area/water body boundary before submitting a proposal for release of second installment of Central Assistance.
• National Water Policy (2012)
  • Formulated by Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, inter-alia advocates  rainwater harvesting and conservation of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall.
  • It also inter-alia, advocates conservation of river, river bodies and infrastructure should be undertaken in a scientifically planned manner through community participation.
  • Further, encroachment and diversion of water bodies and drainage channels must not be allowed and wherever, it has taken place, it should be restored to the extent feasible and maintained properly.
• Model Bill
  • Circulated to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water legislation for regulation of its development, which also includes provision of rain water harvesting.
  • So far, 19 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation. 
• Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL) 2016
  • Circulated by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs include provisions for Rainwater Harvesting and it has been shared with all the States / UTs.
  • So far 32 States / UTs have adopted the provisions of rainwater harvesting of MBBL-2016.

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