Receding Ground Water Level
Assessment of ground water level monitoring data for the plains by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), for pre-monsoon 2015, compared with last five years mean of pre-monsoon (2010-2014), indicates that out of total 14346 wells analysed, around 46% of the wells are showing decline in ground water levels in various parts of the Country. In the states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Meghalaya, Puducherry, Punjab, Telangana, and Uttarakhand, more than 50% of the monitored wells have registered decline in ground water levels. No information is centrally maintained with regard to drying up of waterfalls by this Ministry. Government has taken several steps emphasizing rain water harvesting measures in various parts of the Country:
Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR has circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water legislation for its regulation and development, which includes provision of rain water harvesting. So far, 15 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation on the lines of the Model Bill.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has prepared a conceptual document entitled Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water in India" during 2013, involving ground water scientists/experts. The Master Plan envisages construction of 1.11 crore rain water harvesting and artificial recharge structures in the Country at an estimated cost of Rs. 79,178 Crores to harness 85 BCM (Billion Cubic Metre) of water. The augmented ground water resources will enhance the availability of water for drinking, domestic, industrial and irrigation purposes. The Master Plan has been circulated to all State Governments for implementation.
Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has issued directives to the Chief Secretaries of all States and the Administrators of all UTs to take measures to promote/adopt artificial recharge to ground water / rain water harvesting. 30 States/UTs have accordingly made rain water harvesting mandatory by enacting laws or by formulating rules & regulations or by including provisions in Building bye-laws or through suitable Government Orders.
Ministry of Urban Development in its Draft Model Building Bye-laws(2015) has incorporated a Chapter on Provision of Rain Water Harvesting.
CGWB has been organizing mass awareness programmes in the Country to promote rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water.
As per the latest assessment (Year-2011) of Dynamic Ground Water Resources, carried out jointly by CGWB and the State Governments, the net annual ground water availability is 398.16 BCM (Billion Cubic Metre), out of which annual ground water withdrawal for domestic and industrial uses is 22.71 BCM. The projected demand for domestic and industrial uses upto the year-2025 is 32.34 BCM. The availability and use of water for drinking, industrial and irrigation purposes varies from place to place. Therefore, depending upon the hydrological situation, some areas might face a shortage of groundwater. However, on an overall basis, no shortage of drinking water is envisaged.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Samir/jk
