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DRYING UP OF WATER BODIES

4th August, 2023

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Context

The government's efforts to rejuvenate water bodies in India.

Details

  • There are 24,24,540 water bodies in the country of which 20,30,040 water bodies are ‘in use’ and 3,94,500 water bodies are not ‘in use’.
  • 93,009 water bodies are reported to be not in use on account of being dried up.

Groundwater level

  • Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) periodically monitors groundwater levels throughout the country on a regional scale, through a network of monitoring wells.
  • About 61% of the wells monitored have registered a rise in ground water level.
  • About 39% wells have registered a decrease in water level.

Rejuvenation of water bodies

  • It is for the State Government concerned to take up rejuvenation of water bodies, including the dried-up water bodies.

Measures taken by Government of India

  • Financial assistance to the identified schemes under Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies (RRR of WBs) component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)-Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP).
  • Focused interventions under Jal Shakti Abhiyan annual campaigns.
  • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
  • Mission Amrit Sarovar.
  • Rejuvenation of water bodies is also a component under the Water Supply sector of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Scheme under Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Discuss the current status of water bodies in India, including their distribution and usage. (150 words)

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1945398