GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3510

ANSWERED ON:29.07.2009

GRADUAL DECLINE OF LEVEL OF MAJOR RIVERS WATER RESERVOIRS

(a) whether there has been a gradual decline in the water level of the major river basins in the country over the years;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure adequate availability of water in major water basins and reservoirs;

(d) the details of water storage capacity created during the last three years and the current year;

(e) whether the Government plans to construct the underground water reservoirs for rational water distribution; and

(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

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

(a) The analysis of data of water level of major rivers and storage in the reservoirs do not indicate any significant trend about gradual decline.

(b) & (c) Do not arise.

(d) Various projects for creation of water storage capacity are undertaken by respective state governments. On the basis of the information collected from various State governments, the total live storage capacity of reservoirs is estimated from time to time. The total live storage capacity was estimated to be about 213 billion cubic meter (BCM) upto the year 2004 which increased to about 225 BCM in 2007. (e) &(f) Government promote rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge of aquifers which act as underground reservoir. A scheme for `Artificial Recharge to Ground Water through Dugwells` with estimated cost of Rs. 1798.71 crore has been launched by Ministry of Water Resources during XI Plan.