Delhi,2 June:The average annual precipitation of water is estimated as 4000 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) in the country and after accounting for the natural process of evaporation etc., the average annual water availability is assessed as 1869 BCM. It is estimated that owing to topographic, hydrological and other constants the utilizable water is 1123 BCM which comprises of 690 BCM of surface water and 430 BCM of replenishable ground water resources. Rest of the water would be considered to be flowing down to sea.
Several measures for development and management of water resources are undertaken by respective State Governments with a view to optimally utilize the available resources, which include creation of storages, rain water harvesting, artificial recharge to ground water, restoration of water bodies, and adoption of better management practices etc. Storage capacity of about 225 BCM has been created so far. As per present assessment, the total estimated storage capacity of the various projects under construction is about 64 BCM. Further, the State Governments have identified various other schemes for investigation and planning under estimated storage for such schemes is about 108 BCM.
State Governments conceive, plan and implement major, medium and minor schemes (both surface and ground water) for utilization of water resources. Government of India is providing central assistance to the State Governments through various schemes and programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme, National Project for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water bodies directly linked to Agriculture etc.
The Ministry of Water Resources encourages conservation of water including measures such as traditional water conservation practices, rain water harvesting and recharge to ground water and adoption to better management practices. A Pilot Scheme on “National Project for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies directly linked to Agriculture” was in January , 2005 with an estimated cost of Rs. 300 crore with a view to restore and augment storage capacity of water bodies and also to recover their lost irrigation potential. Schemes for repair, renovation and restoration of water bodies have also been taken up with World Bank assistance in the States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Proposal from West Bengal and Orissa have also been forwarded by the Department of Economic Affairs to the World Bank.
Irrigation component of Bharat Nirman envisages creation of irrigation potential of 10 million hectare through major and medium irrigation projects as well as minor irrigation schemes. At present 166 major, 222 medium and 89 ERM projects are reported to be ongoing in various states. Government of India provide support to State Governments through AIBP and other schemes.