1453978094_Report Summary-Ground Water Scenario.pdf

## Report Summary Review Of Ground Water Scenario And Need For A Comprehensive Policy

 
The Standing Committee on Water Resources 
submitted its report on the subject "Review of 
ground water scenario, need for a comprehensive policy and measures to address problems in the country with particular reference to (i) dark blocks; and (ii) contamination of underground water by certain industries" on December 22, 2015.  Key recommendations of the committee include:  
 
Database on natural and artificial recharge 
of water:  Assessment of ground water 
resources in the country was last done in 2011. Assessment of ground water resources should be undertaken on a regular basis, preferably after every two years.  Also, a single agency should be formed to maintain a database on (i) the amount of ground water being utilised by various stakeholders, and (ii) natural and 
artificial recharge to ground water.   
 
Study of Dark Blocks:  A study to assess landuse and proportion of agricultural land falling under dark blocks (over-exploited assessment units) should be initiated.  This will help determine suitable cropping pattern in areas that are water stressed.  Additionally, an impact study to determine losses caused to agriculture, economy, health and environment due to dark 
blocks should be carried out.   
 
Ground water withdrawal for agriculture:  
In the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, 
ground water levels are fast depleting due to excessive exploitation for agriculture use.  To improve the situation, measured suggested include, (i) on-farm water management techniques and adoption of improved irrigation 
methods, (ii) implementation of 'Master Plan 
for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water', and (iii) revamping agricultural power pricing structure, as flat rate of electricity adversely affects the use of ground water.  A well-defined policy on ground water extraction should also 
be framed to ensure long-term sustainability.   
 
Water under concurrent list of the 
Constitution:  Bringing the subject of water 
under the concurrent list will help evolve a comprehensive plan of action.  Consensus between the centre and states will result in better conservation, development and 
management of water, including ground water.   
3rd Floor, GandharvaMahavidyalaya 212, DeenDayalUpadhyaya Marg New Delhi - 110002 
Tel: (011) 2323 4801-02, 4343 4035-36 

 
Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water:  The document 'Master Plan 
for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water' was 
prepared by the Central Ground Water Board in 2013 and circulated to all states.  No review regarding the implementation of the Plan has been done so far.  A comprehensive review of the follow-up action taken by states/ union territories should be undertaken.  A time-bound roadmap to achieve the objectives of the plan 
should be put in place. 
 
Synergy between MGNREGS and ground 
water management:  Steps should be initiated 
to achieve optimised returns on works related to ground water conservation taken under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.  Coordination between the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development through a special body 
will be helpful in this regard.  
 
Census of water bodies and installation of 
water meets on tube wells:  An inventory of 
water bodies (including ponds) in the country should be undertaken and completed in a definite time-frame.  Special programs for the upkeep, maintenance and restoration of water bodies should be implemented with sufficient budgetary allocation.  To regulate over-use of ground water for irrigation and drinking 
purposes, installation of water meters in all tube-wells should be made mandatory on the 
principle of 'Beneficiary Pays'.   
 
Contamination of ground water by 
industries:  Ministry of Water Resources in 
coordination with Central Pollution Control Board should devise an effective mechanism to identify critically polluted areas located in dark blocks.  Steps to minimize and control the dumping of industrial waste into surface water 
and underground aquifers should also be taken. 
 
Enforcement of NOCs by CGWA:  A system 
of regular inspections should be instituted in respect of industries to whom No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been issued by Central Ground Water Authority.  This will ensure compliance of conditions mentioned in the NOC.  All State Pollution Control Boards should set up an appropriate and effective monitoring mechanism to verify the requirement with the actual withdrawal.
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Review of Ground Water Scenario and need for a Comprehensive Policy