Year End Review – Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti

The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has been working relentlessly towards achieving the vision and mission of making India a ‘Water Secure Country’ as envisioned by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, formed in 2019 by bringing together all water related departments and organisations under one umbrella ministry, has been playing a pivotal role in implementation of a focussed strategy towards making India ‘Water Secure’ while ensuring optimal utilisation of precious and scarce water resources across the nation. During the year 2023, the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has undertaken several new initiatives and achieved significant outcomes/milestones. Following are some of the key achievements of the Department in 2023: 

1. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

National Mission for Clean Ganga, in the year 2023, completed 38 projects which resulted in the completion of a cumulative total of 270 projects, so far and also sanctioned 45 new projects amounting to ₹ 5,473 crore, bringing the cumulative total to 454 projects sanctioned worth ₹ 38,385 crore. In sewerage infrastructure, 21 projects for the creation/ rehabilitation of 938 MLD sewage treatment capacity have been sanctioned between January to December 2023.In the same period, 10 projects for the creation/ rehabilitation of 821 MLD sewage treatment capacity have been completed. Till date, a total of 197 sewerage infrastructure projects have been sanctioned in the Ganga Basin for the creation of 6,208 MLD sewage treatment capacity and the laying of 5,272 km sewer network.

The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), led by the  National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was launched at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with countries namely India, Egypt, Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan and river-cities of The Hague (Den Haag) from the Netherlands, Adelaide from Australia, and Szolnok of Hungary and International funding agencies the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and knowledge management institution like KPMG entering into a partnership, widely expanding the reach of the existing River Cities Alliance (RCA), formed  by NMCG in association with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in 2021. GRCA is a unique alliance covering 275+ global river-cities in 11 countries, international funding agencies and knowledge management partners and is first of its kind in the world.

Click Here for further details on achievements of NMCG during 2023

2. National Water Mission (NWM)

 (i) “Jal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain (JSA:CTR)” 2023 campaign: To make water everyone’s business and buoyed by the success of Jal Shakti Abhiyan(s) in the previous years, the President of India launched “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2023” on the theme ‘Source Sustainability for Drinking Water’, 4th in its series on 04.03.2023. Focused interventions of the JSA:CTR-2023 include consolidation of activities i.e. (1) water conservation and rainwater harvesting; (2) enumerating, geo-tagging & making inventory of all water bodies; preparation of scientific plans for water conservation based on it (3) setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts (4) intensive afforestation and (5) awareness generation. As per the information uploaded by various stakeholders on the JSA:CTR portal (www.jsactr.mowr.nic.in), during the period of 04^th March 2023 till 28^th December, 2023 under the JSA:CTR campaign, a total of 10,59,816 Water Conservation & Rain Water Harvesting Structures were created/ongoing, 2,53,951 traditional water bodies were renovated/ongoing, 5,88,816 reuse and recharge structures were completed/ongoing and 12,41,245 watershed development structures were completed/ongoing. Further, 6,63,63,155 afforestation activities were carried out under the campaign. 661 Jal Shakti Kendras have been established. 520 District Water Conservation Plans have been prepared by the Districts across the country so far.

(ii) Setting up of Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE): To achieve the target of one of the goals of NWM, i.e., improvement in WUE by 20%, a dedicated organization has been set up as Bureau of Water use Efficiency (BWUE) under National Water Mission during October, 2022 to work on mission mode. BWUE will act as a facilitator for promotion of improving water use efficiency across various sectors namely irrigation, drinking water supply, power generation, industries, etc. in the country, for promotion, regulation and control of efficient use of water in irrigation, industrial and domestic sectors. For achieving the aforementioned goal and to prepare the framework for implementation of the Bureau with defined timeline a Task Force was constituted vide Office Order dated 19.1.2023 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Alok Sikka to provide a strategic framework and road map with short and long-term actions-technological, social, institutional and policy (in a partnership mode) for monitoring and increasing water use efficiency in all sectors in India. The Task Force had members representing key Ministries/Departments, representatives from selected States governments, ICAR, FAO, World Bank, ADB, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, etc. Task Force has submitted its report on 14.08.2023 and subsequently submitted additional section- 6 & 7 on 25.10.2023. Further, a Draft Action Plan for existing BWUE for the next 2 years has been prepared based on the findings/recommendations of the Task Force report and same has been circulated to Ministries/Dept./Organization for their valuable comments/ views/ suggestions.

3. National Water Development Agency (NWDA): Inter-Linking of Rivers Project

Under National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated by Government of India, 30 inter-basin water transfer links (16 Peninsular and 14 Himalayan component) have been identified by National Water Development Agency for preparation of feasibility reports (FRs). NWDA is making concerted efforts to arrive consensus among party States for implementation of six priority link projects including Ken-Betwa Link Project. Detailed projects reports (DPRs) of 11 links, Feasibility reports of 24 links and Pre-feasibility reports of all the 30 links have been prepared. System studies of four link projects viz; Manas-Sanksoh-Teesta-Ganga (MSTG) link, Ganga - Damodar - Subernarekha link , Subernarekha - Mahanadi link and Farakka- Sunderbans link have been initiated and this work of four links has been awarded to IIT, Guwahati, NIT, Patna, NIT, Warangal and NIH, Roorkee respectively. Inception Reports have been submitted in June, 2023 by all the four Institutes. The system studies of Mahanadi-Godavari link has been completed by NIH, Roorkee and the Final Report has been submitted in May, 2023.. Awarded of System studies southern link initiated.

Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is the first inter-linking of rivers (ILR) project for which implementation has been initiated with an estimated cost of Rs. 44,605 crore (year 2020-21 price level) having central support of Rs. 39,317 crores through a Special Purpose Vehicle viz. Ken Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA). The project will be of immense benefit to the water starved Bundelkhand Region, spread across the States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh which includes districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, SagarDamoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpur&Raisen and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi &Lalitpur respectively.

Land Acquisition in respect of 22 Villages for Daudhan Dam in Panna and Chattarpur districts for revenue land transfer for PTR and villages coming under submergence has been notified under Section-11 and under section 19 of Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Land acquisition awards have been issued in respect of acquisition of private land is 21 number of villages. Against total requirement of 6017ha for transfer to PTR for compensatory afforestation 4901ha of Govt. non forest land has been mutated in favour of PTR.Stage –II Forest Clearance for diversion of 6017.00 ha of forest land for development of KBLP,has been accorded by MoEF& amp; CC on 03.10. 23.DPRs of Pailani and Banda barrages are under finalization and DPR of enroute tanks of Mahoba district and DPR for renovation and modernization of ken canal system of U.P have been finalized.Tender document for Daudham Dam has been floated on CPP portal on 11.08.2023, the last date of online submission of bid is 18.01.2024.Two wildlife sanctuaries namely Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Rani Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh, and Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary of U.P. has been approved by state govt. for bringing them under project Tiger. Final report of Integrated Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) of Greater Panna Tiger Reserve, was released by Secretary, DoWR, RD& GR on 02.06.2022. A Greater Panna Landscape Council (GPLC) under Chief Secretary, Govt. of MP has been constituted for the implementation of ILMP systematically. Its first meeting was held on 05.09.23. Offices of KBLPA have been opened at Bhopal, Jhansi, Panna and Chattarpur. Process for engagement of CEO /ACEOs on regular basis in the Authority has been completed. The process for the engagement of Project Management Consultancy (PMC) is in process. The eligible firms have been shortlisted and RFP shall be issued soon. A Project Management Consultant (PMC) for assisting KBLPA in implementation of the project is proposed to be hired and a Consultation Evaluation Committee (CEC) constituted for the same has initiated necessary modalities for engagement of PMC. The project is planned to be completed in 8 years by March, 2030.

Modified PKC link, PFR has been circulated to States and consensus-building process is ongoing for finalization of DPR and signing of MoU between two States.

Godavari-Cauvery link, a modified proposal for transfer of 4189 MCM of water from Godavari along with supplementation in Krishna basin through Bedti-Varda link (524 MCM) has been studied by NWDA.

8^th India Water Week 2024: IWW-2024 is proposed to be held from 17th to 21st September, 2024, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The Organising Committee and Technical Committee for organisation of the event have been constituted. The first meeting of Organising committee was held on 24th November, 2023. The first meeting of Technical Committee was organized on 30th November, 2023. The theme & Logo of IWW2024 have been finalised. The theme of the 8th India Water Week is “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management”. The Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the 8th India Water Week-2024 and inaugurated its website on 14.12.2023.

4. Central Water Commission (CWC)

1. CWC has conducted in-house Sedimentation Assessment Studies of reservoir using remote sensing technologies during 2023.These in-house studies have been conducted using Microwave data (instead of optical data). The advantage of using microwave data is that the images are not affected by cloud cover, and we get images of the reservoirs near FRL during monsoon season as well (which is relatively difficult with optical imageries as when the reservoir is full, most of the time it is monsoon season and it is cloudy). In addition to the in-house studies, a batch of 40 reservoirs, covering all the major river basins of India, was outsourced, out of which 31 reservoirs were found feasible. The final assessment of these reservoirs is under progress.
2. The chapters on environment and ecology of Buroi Medium Irrigation Project, Assam, Burisuti Medium Irrigation Project, Assam, Medium Irrigation project in Mebo, Arunachal Pradesh and Minor Irrigation project in Kaya Valley, Arunachal Pradesh at Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) stage have been vetted during 2023. Based on the experience gained during the earlier post project Environment Impact Assessment Studies of 10 projects, the guideline for “Environmental Impact Assessment Studies of Completed Water Resources Projects” & “Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment Studies of Completed Water Resources Projects” is being prepared.
3. Post-project Environmental Impact Assessment studies for three projects namely Ukai; Tawa; and Eastern Kosi Canal have been completed during 2022.Reservoir Operation Rule Levels for Srisailam and NagarjunaSagar reservoirs were prepared as per KWDT-1 award, TAC approved notes, and interstate agreements.
4. Organization of the 25th International Congress & 74th IEC Meeting of ICID at Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh during 2-8th, November, 2023 in partnership with the State Govt of Andhra Pradesh, CWC and ICID. This marked the return of the prestigious event to India after a gap of almost 6 decades. The ICID Congress and IEC has participation of about 1200 delegates from about 45 countries. The 25th ICID Congress was jointly inaugurated by the Union Minister (Jal Shakti), Govt. of India and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The Union Minister (Jal Shakti), Govt of India delivered in the inaugural N D Gulhati Memorial Lecture. The theme for the 25th ICID Congress was ‘Tackling Water Scarcity in Agriculture’ and detailed deliberations were held to address these issues.
5. INCID invites and processes the nominations for ICID’s annual awards including the World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) Awards. 4 nominations were processed and sent to ICID for consideration for the WHIS-2023. This year also, India won the maximum number of 4 (four) WHIS awards, namely: Prakasham Barrage – Andhra Pradesh; SrivaikuntamAnicut – Tamil Nadu; Balidiha Irrigation Project – Odisha; JayamangalaAnicut – Odisha
6. India Denmark Co-operation: Two meetings of Project Review Committee (PRC) and one meeting of Joint Steering Committee (JSC) were organized during 2023 where various proposals submitted by IIT-BHU and CWC were discussed. The secretariat for SLCR has been established at IIT-BHU, Varanasi. Several study tours, visits, workshops have been held in India / Denmark under this ambit.
7. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by CWC with National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on 25.05.2023 to explore the subject area related to management of water pollution monitoring practices for rejuvenation of rivers and surface water systems through application of CWC Technological interventions for effective river pollution monitoring within the objectives of the Namami Gange Programme.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on 30.08.2023 with the purpose to establish a collaborative framework for Water Quality testing, leading to efficient use of resources.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 01.09.2023 between Central Water Commission (CWC) and Bihar Water Resource Department for sharing of Hydro-metrological data which will result in improvement in the accuracy of the flood forecasts.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Water Academy (NWA) a premier training institute under Central water Commission (CWC) and Maharashtra Engineering Training Academy established by Govt. of Maharashtra was signed on 08.09.2023 to collaborate in field of Public Awareness and education, capacity building and training etc.

8. Support for Irrigation Modernization Program (SIMP): Central Water Commission (CWC), DoWR,RD&GR has taken up an initiative Support for Irrigation Modernization Program (SIMP) with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to modernize Major/ Medium Irrigation (MMI) projects in the country. SIMP is proposed to be taken up in 4 phases. To assess the present status of the identified projects, workshops for benchmarking and for developing modernization options have been organised in the projects from Dec 2022 to Mar 2023 and the working documents are shared with the project officers. The details of the projects and the date of the completion of the IMPs are given below –

Projects selected under Phase 1 & schedule of IMP preparation

1. A workshop on ‘Methodology adopted for fixation of Water rates and Physical & Financial Aspects of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects in India’ was organized by CWC, DoWR, RD & GR, MoJS, GoI on 24.08.2023 at New Delhi and it was decided that the publication which is being currently published in every five years, would be brought out annually. It was recommended that the State Governments shall carry out O&M of water infrastructures properly to ensure efficient use of resources. State Governments may meet the O&M cost from water charges/budgetary allocations as considered appropriate by them.
   10. Publications related to Water Resources: - A total of 902 Glacial Lakes and Water Bodies have been monitored using satellite remote sensing in the year 2023. This activity is carried out every month from June to October. Of these, 544 are Glacial Lakes and 358 are Water Bodies. All Glacial Lakes upto size of 10 ha as per NRSC 2009 inventory and few more Glacial Lakes of size even smaller than 10 ha as identified by SDC have been included for monitoring. In the year 2023, inflow forecasting started at 5 stations namely Muthenkera Dam in Kerala, Subansiri Lower Dam in Arunachal Pradesh, Shetrunji Dam in Gujarat, Ichari Dam and Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand. Currently CWC is providing flood forecast at 338 stations (200-level forecasting stations & 138-inflow forecasting stations). During the period from 1st May to 31st December 2023, 6328 (i.e. 4567 Level and 1761 Inflow) forecasts were issued, out of which 5942 (i.e. 4336 Level and 1606 Inflow) forecasts were within limit of accuracy. Daily Flood Situation Reports and Special Advisories were also issued during extreme flood situations. 298 Red and 444 Orange Bulletins were also issued and updated on 3-hourly and 6-hourly basis respectively. All flood information were updated in FF Website, Twitter and Facebook Pages of Flood Forecasting of CWC. In addition to short range forecast , CWC is providing seven day advisory based on numerical models and inputs available from India Meteorological Department (IMD), satellite derived products for Flood Forecasting (FF) stations of CWC across the country. The results are published through a dedicated web portal as well though mobile application.
   11. CWC Activities under National Hydrology Project (NHP): Achievements include completion of consultancy work for “Study on the issue of Flood and Siltation in River Ganga and its Tributaries due to Farrakka Barrage in the state of Bihar”; Completion of Phase-I i.e. Development Phase of consultancy work for “Physical based Mathematical Modelling for estimation of Sediment Rate and Sediment Transport in Seven river Basin”. Phase-II Support and Maintenance Services is under process, Quarter 1, Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 support has been completed by the consultant. “Extended Hydrological Prediction (multi week forecast) for Yamuna, Narmada and Cauvery basins: Phase I (Inception Report), Phase II (Submission and approval of Input Data Development Report), Phase III (Model development for Low flow season and Testing) and Phase IV (Model development for High flow season and Testing) have been completed. Phase VI (Dashboard Development) is also parallelly in progress. Benefitting States: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, M.P, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, U.P, Delhi. “Reservoir Sedimentation Studies using Hydrographic survey for 32 reservoirs” under Phase-I has been completed. Phase II: Consists of 87 reservoirs in 10 states (Rajasthan, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and Odisha) and is under process. Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning (SITC) of 93 Nos. ADCP (14+ 29+50 nos in three phases) for the measurement of discharge at the HO sites of CWC has been completed. 32 velocity radar sensors for modernization of discharge observations has been procured out of which 18 has been installed and commissioned so far. 7 nos of Water Quality Equipment (ICP-MS and GC-MS) have been procured and installed so far. Procurement of 3 more Water Quality Equipment (1 GC-MS and 2 ICP-MS) is nearing completion. “Early Flood Warning System Including Inundation Forecast in Ganga Basin”: All the deliverables has been completed except Task-IV:Conduct Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modelling which is under review. “Consultancy Services for Development of Decision Support System near to real time for Integrated Reservoir Operation System of Ganga Basin”: The Development Phase has been completed and Testing Phase is in progress. Installation, testing and commissioning of Real Time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS) for Narmada Control Authority (NCA), Bhopal by CWC: all 48 nos. sites has been completed. Installation, testing and commissioning of Real Time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS)in Arunachal Pradesh: Civil work and installation of telemetry equipment has been completed at 50 nos. sites. Partial Commissioning of all the equipment has been completed and it will be connected to SoI GTS benchmark as per availability of SoI GTS benchmark. Modernization of training facilities in NWA Pune & Modernization of Water Quality Monitoring activity by providing state of art equipment.

Development phase of work for “Consultancy Services for Development of Decision Support System for near-real time Integrated Reservoir Operation for Ganga Basin” has been completed on 31st May 2023. First season testing completed on 31st October 2023. Training under capacity building module has also been completed in Nov 2023.

5. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB):

National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme:

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is implementing National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM), which envisages mapping of aquifers (water bearing formations), their characterization and development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate sustainable management of ground water resources. Out of 32 lakh km² of the entire country, entire mappable area of 25 lakh km² has been covered under this programme. NAQUIM outputs are shared with various stakeholders including the District Authorities.

High resolution aquifer mapping and management in Arid areas of India:

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has initiated high resolution mapping of aquifers using modern heliborne geophysical survey in parts of the arid areas spread over the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana. During Phase I of the project, an area of 97,637 sq.km and 40,313 line km flight line has been completed covering 92 Blocks in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana.

Assessment of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India:

As per the latest assessment in 2023, the total annual groundwater recharge in the country has been assessed as 449.08 bcm. The annual extractable ground water resources has been assessed as 407.21 bcm. The annual groundwater extraction is 241.34 bcm. The average stage of groundwater extraction for the country as a whole works out to be about 59.26 %. Out of the total 6553 assessment units (Blocks/ Mandals/ Talukas) assessed in the country, 736 (11.23%) units are categorized as ‘Over-exploited’, 199 (3.04 %) units as‘Critical’,698 (10.65 %) units as ‘Semi-critical’, 4793 (73.14 %) units as ‘Safe’, and 127 (1.94%) as ‘Saline’ .

The web-based application “INDIA-GROUNDWATER RESOURCE ESTIMATION SYSTEM (IN-GRES) developed by CGWB in association with IIT-Hyderabad for automated estimation of the dynamic ground water resources provides a common and standardized platform for GW Resource Assessment for the entire country.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti released “National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India 2023” on 1st December, 2023

Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training & Research Institute (RGNGWTRI) is the Training Wing of Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). As a part of the three tiered training programme, a total of 99 trainings (Tier I- 47, Tier II – 18 & Tier III- 34) were conducted during January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 5641 participants including ground water professionals as well as users at the grassroots level participated in the programmes.

It is to mention that, RGNGWTRI has been accredited as अतिउत्तमunder the Capacity Building Commission’s National Standards as assessed by the National Accreditation Board of Education and Training (NABET) on 22.11.23. The accreditation was awarded after the completion of the desktop and onsite assessment of the activities based on the eight pillars of capacity building. The accreditation is valid for a period of 2 years.

6. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26 with an outlay of ₹93,068 Crore to benefit about 22 lakh farmers

• Against target of 34.63 Lakh Ha irrigation potential of 25.50 Lakh Ha (approx. 73.63%) created through AIBP works of the prioritized projects during 2016-17 to 2021-22
• Eight (08) new MMI projects and two (02) new National projects have been further included under PMKSY AIBP.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana – Har Khet Ko Pani – Ground Water (PMKSY-HKKP-GW): Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Har Khet Ko Paani Ground Water scheme, launched by DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, envisages to provide irrigation facility for small and marginal farmers in areas having sufficient potential for future development of ground water. DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti has sanctioned 13 projects under PMKSY-HKKP-GW scheme since 2019 in 10 States namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. As on 30th November 2023, 29,777 wells have been constructed, 87,243 ha command area have been created and 67,902 small & marginal farmers have been benefitted. During year 2023, an amount of Rs. 29.71 crores has been released (01.01.2023 to 31.12.2023) to the projects in the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand towards central assistance and 548 wells have been constructed creating additional command area of 10001 Ha, benefitting 1302 small & marginal farmers.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP):

The Government of India on 27.07.2016 approved funding of the 99 prioritized irrigation projects (and 7 phases) with an estimated balance cost of Rs. 77,595 Crore (Central share- Rs. 31,342 crores; State share- Rs. 46,253 crores) for completion in phases. The works include both the AIBP and CAD works. Funding arrangement for both Central Assistance (CA) and State Share made through NABARD under Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF). Targeted Irrigation Potential to be created under the scheme is 34.63 Lakh ha. An expenditure of Rs.56271 crore (upto March 2022) has been reported to be incurred by the concerned State Governments on these projects since 2016-17. In January 2020, Ministry of Finance conveyed the continuation of ongoing centrally sponsored scheme up-to 31.03.2021.

Physical Progress: Against the target of 34.63 Lakh Ha. Irrigation Potential of about 25.50 Lakh ha. has been created through AIBP works of the prioritized projects during 2016-17 to 2022-23. The potential created during 2023-24 shall be available only after the end of cropping season.

Project Completed under PMKSY-AIBP: AIBP works of 56 prioritized projects out of identified 99 projects (and 7 phases) were reported to be completed till date.

Implementation of PMKSY AIBP (including CADWM) during 2021-26:

The Government of India has approved implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26 with an outlay of ₹93,068 Crore on date 15-Dec-2021 to benefit about 22 Lakh farmers. The Union Cabinet has approved central support of ₹37,454 Crore to States and ₹20,434.56 Crore of debt servicing for loan availed by Government of India for irrigation development during PMKSY 2016-21. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, ‘Har Khet Ko Paani’ and Watershed Development components have been approved for continuation during 2021-26. Total additional irrigation potential creation targeted during 2021-26 under AIBP is 13.88 Lakh hectare. Apart from focused completion of 60 ongoing projects including their 30.23 lakh hectare command area development, 8 additional projects have been taken up till date. Also, two national projects, namely Renukaji Dam Project (Himachal Pradesh) and Lakhwar Multipurpose Project (Uttarakhand) have also been included for central funding of 90% of works of water component under the scheme.

A slew of Innovative measures and modification have been made to improve implementation and maximize benefits, such as:

• Inclusion of new Major / Medium Irrigation (MMI) projects as well as funding of National Projects under AIBP.
• Financial progress requirement is dropped for inclusion of a project under AIBP and only physical progress of 50% to be considered.
• Advanced stage (50% physical progress) criteria is relaxed for projects having command area of 50% or more in Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), tribal, Desert Development Programme (DDP), flood prone, Tribal area, Flood prone area, left wing extremism affected area, Koraput, Balangir and Kalahandi (KBK) region of Odisha, Vidarbha & Marathwada regions of Maharashtra and Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh, as also for Extension Renovation Modernization (ERM) projects and also for States with net irrigation below national average.
• Reimbursement is allowed for due central assistance in subsequent years also.
• Project completion permitted with physical progress of 90% or more.
• Online Management Information System (MIS) has been developed for monitoring of the projects. A nodal officer for each of the 99 priority projects has been identified who updates the physical and financial progress of the project regularly in the MIS.
• GIS based Application has been developed for geo-tagging of project components. Remote Sensing Techniques have been used for digitization of the canal network of the projects. Further, the Cropped Area estimation in the command of 99 priority projects is being carried out annually through remote sensing.
• To resolve the issue of Land Acquisition (LA) and increase water conveyance efficiency, use of Underground Pipeline (UGPL) has been actively promoted. Guidelines for Planning and Design of Piped Irrigation Network were released by this Ministry in July’2017.
• Pari-passu implementation of Command area development works in the commands of these projects is envisaged to ensure that the Irrigation Potential Created could be utilized by the farmers. New Guidelines bringing focus on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) have been brought out. Further, transfer of control and management of irrigation system to the Water Users’ Association (WUA) has been made necessary condition for the acceptance of CADWM completion.

The Financial Progress under PMKSY-AIBP is as follows:

(Rs. in crore)

Special Package for Maharashtra: A Special Package approved on 18.07.2018 which provides Central Assistance to complete 83 Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) projects and 8 Major / Medium Irrigation Projects in drought prone districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada and rest of Maharashtra in phases up to 2023-24. The overall balance cost of the said projects as on 1.4.2018 is estimated to be Rs.13651.61 Crore. Total CA is estimated to be Rs. 3831.41 Crore including reimbursement for expenditure during 2017-18. Balance potential of 3.77 Lakh Ha would be created on completion of these schemes. CA of Rs. 2522 crores have been released under the scheme so far. Under the scheme, 45 SMI projects have been reported to be completed by the State Government of Maharashtra. Overall irrigation potential of 161130 ha. has been reported to be created through all these projects during 2018-19 to 2022-23. Further potential created during 2023-24 shall be available only after the end of cropping season.

Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM):

Government of India is implementing a scheme called Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY). The scheme was launched with an aim to enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation. 99 prioritized Projects have been identified for expeditious completion adopting innovative funding through creation of ‘Long Term Irrigation Fund’ under NABARD. The targeted Culturable Command Area (CCA) of the presently 88 included projects are 45.08 lakh Ha. and estimated central assistance (CA) is Rs 8235Crore. During 2016-17 to 2022-23, CA amounting to Rs 2962 Crore was released while the CCA progress reported by States is 17.87 Lakh ha. During 2023-24 (till date), CA amounting to Rs 71 Crore has been sanctioned.

Polavaram Irrigation Project: Polavaram Irrigation Project was declared as National Project under Section 90 of AP Reorganization Act, 2014, which came into force on 1st March 2014. The project with 2454 m of earth-cum-rockfill dam and 1128.4 m long spillway aims at irrigating 2.91 Lakh ha in East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari and Krishna districts besides several other benefits envisaged by it. Central Government is funding 100% of the remaining cost of the irrigation component of the project, as on 01.04.2014. Government of Andhra Pradesh is executing the irrigation component of the project on behalf of Government of India. The approved cost of the Project as per Revised Cost Committee (RCC) Report is Rs. 47725.74 Cr (at 2017-18 price level). After declaration as National Project, a sum of Rs. 15146.271 crore has been released for execution of Polavaram Irrigation Project so far. As reported by Water Resource Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, an expenditure of Rs 16,254.23crore has been incurred on the project works up to 30.10.2023, after declaration of Polavaram irrigation project (PIP) as National Project .

Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) and Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies schemes of PMKSY-HKKP:

Under the Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) scheme, since 12th plan onwards, 7282 schemes are ongoing withan estimated cost of ₹ 16113.560 crores. Central Assistance (CA) of Rs. 9009.169 crores have been released tostates up-to March, 2023. Further, 4428 schemes have been reported to be completed up-to March, 2023. Target irrigation potential creation of these schemes is 11.58 L Ha and out of this, 7.51 L Ha is reported to be createdtill March, 2023.

Under the Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies scheme, since 12th plan onwards, 3075schemes are ongoing with an estimated cost of Rs. 2834.692 crore. Central Assistance (CA) of Rs. 554.279Crore has been released to states up to March, 2023. Further, 1863 water bodies have been reported to becompleted up to March, 2023. Target irrigation potential restoration of these schemes is 2.41 L Ha and out ofthis, 1.54 L Ha is reported to be restored till March, 2023.

7. Atal BhujalYojana (Atal Jal)

Atal BhujalYojana (Atal Jal) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India with an outlay of Rs 6000 Crore, with focus on community participation and demand side interventions for sustainable ground water management in identified water stressed areas in 8213 water stressed Gram Panchayats of 229 administrative blocks/Talukas in 80 districts of seven States in the country viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme, partly funded by the World Bank, is being implemented from 1.04.2020 for a period of 5 years.

This unique scheme aims at increasing the capacity of States to manage their ground water resources and for ensuring their long-term sustainability with active participation of the local communities through a mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches. It also envisages convergence of various ongoing schemes for implementation of interventions for improving ground water availability with emphasis on demand management and also to inculcate behavioral changes in the community to ensure optimal use of available water resources.

The launch of Atal BhujalYojana heralds a change in the Government policy for ground water management by emphasizing the importance of community participation in planning, execution, and monitoring of scheme activities; convergence of ongoing schemes for implementing interventions aimed at improving ground water availability; focus on demand side management through improving water use efficiency and incentivizing participating States for awareness creation among the masses on the importance of ground water.

Atal BhujalYojana also envisages improving the capacity of States for ground water governance through strengthening of institutions dealing with ground water management, improving ground water monitoring networks, creation of awareness among the public on the importance and criticality of ground water resources and building the capacity of the grass root level stakeholders to plan and utilize the available resources in a judicious manner. It also addresses the gender perspective by making it mandatory to include women in all activities of the scheme.

Atal BhujalYojana is expected to improve ground water conditions in the target areas and to contribute significantly to ensure ground water sustainability for interventions planned under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). It is also expected to contribute to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and to result in optimal use of ground water by the stakeholders in the long-run.

Work done under the Scheme is as follows:

1. Under Disbursement Linked Indicator1 Public disclosure of ground water related information and reports: 64% achievement has been made.

2. Under Disbursement Linked Indicator2 Preparation of Community-led Water Security Plans: all 8,213 GPs have been updated. Implementation of the interventions proposed under WSPs is going on.

3. Under Disbursement Linked Indicator3 Public financing of approved Water Security Plans through convergence of ongoing/new schemes: an amount of around Rs. 1980 Crore has been done to implement interventions proposed in the Water Security Plan (WSPs).
4. Under Disbursement Linked Indicator4 Adoption of practices for efficient water use: An area of around 2,27,000.00 Hectares has been covered under water efficient techniques which is 50% of the target.

5. Based upon six rounds of verification by TPGVA, incentives to the tune of Rs. 1980Crore released to States for achievement of Disbursement Linked Indicators.
6. Web-based MIS to monitor progress of the scheme is in place for data entry.
7. Water Security Plans for all 8213 GPs are updated.
8. More than 35,000 Trainings and over 13,000 workshops / awareness programs were conducted across seven participating states during January to November 2023.
9. Third meeting of National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) held on 19^th January 2023, Fourth meeting of NLSC held on 26^th May 2023 and Fifthmeeting of NLSC for implementation of Atal BhujalYojana (Atal Jal) held on 26^th October 2023.

8.Minor Irrigation Statistics: Progress under the scheme “Irrigation Census”:

Minor Irrigation Census conducted quinquennially in order to create a sound and reliable database on groundwater and surface water minor irrigation schemes in the country. The Minor Irrigation Census is conducted under the centrally sponsored scheme “Irrigation Census” with 100% central funding through which State Statistical Cells constituted under different States/UTs are also supported. The sixth Minor IrrigationCensus with reference year 2017-18 and the first Census of Water bodies covering all water bodies in the country, both rural and urban have been completed.

During 2023, the following progress under the scheme “Irrigation Census” has been achieved:

1. Released the All India and State wise reports of First Census of Water bodies in March 2023.
2. Disseminated the key results of 1^st census of Water bodies on Bhuvan portal as well as Open Government Data (OGD) platform.
3. Released the All India and State wise reports of 6^thMinor Irrigation Census in August, 2023.
4. A Steering Committee has been constituted for conduct of 7th Minor Irrigation census, 2nd census of Water Bodies, 1^st census of Major and Medium irrigation projects and 1^st census of Springs under ‘Irrigation Census’ scheme. The first meeting of this steering committee was held in May 2023.
5. 1^st All India Workshop has been conducted in August, 2023 under chairmanship of Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR with the Concerned Senior Officers of States/UTs for conduct of 7th Minor Irrigation census, 2nd census of Water Bodies, 1^st census of Major and Medium irrigation projects and 1^st census of Springs under ‘Irrigation Census’ scheme
6. Grands-in-aid to States/UTs were released timely on receipt of proposals from eligible States/UTs ".

9. Flood Management Wing (FM):

• Since the inception of FMP/RMBA (till March 2023), Central Assistance of Rs. 7012.79 crores released to States/UTs under FMP component of Flood Management & Border Area Programme (FMBAP) scheme and CA of Rs. 1184.13 crores have been released to UTs/States under RMBA component of FMBAP scheme

Completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project

DoWR, RD & GR has taken up the long pending project for completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project, Bihar and Jharkhand. In August, 2017 the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project at an estimated cost of Rs 1622.27 crore during three financial years from the start of the project.

Subsequently, at the request of both State Governments, certain other components were found necessary to be included in the project. Complete lining of Right Main Canal (RMC) and Left Main Canal (LMC) was also regarded essential from technical considerations to derive envisaged irrigation potential. Thus, the works of Gaya distribution system, lining of RMC and LMC, remodeling of enroute structures, construction of a few new structures and one time Special Package for R&R of Project Affected Families (PAFs) were to be provided for in the updated cost estimate. Accordingly, Revised Cost Estimate of the project was prepared. Out of the cost of balance works of Rs.2430.76 crore, the Central would provide Rs.1836.41 crore. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval to the proposal to complete the balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project at a revised Cost of Rs.2,430.76 crore on 04.10.2023.

Project will provide irrigation benefit to 114,021 hectares of land annually in drought prone areas of Aurangabad and Gaya districts of Bihar and Palamau and Garwa districts of Jharkhand. Project also has the provision for supply of 44 MCM water for drinking and industrial water supply. The execution of balance works of the project on turnkey basis by M/s WAPCOS Ltd., a CPSU under DoWR, RD & GR as Project Management Consultant (PMC). 10% works on dam & appurtenant, 86% works on left main canal and 12% works on Right Main Canal (Jharkhand Portion) have been completed.

Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)

The “Flood Management Programme (FMP)” and “River Management Activities and Works related to Border Areas" (RMBA) under operation during XII Five Year Plan were merged as "Flood Management and Border Areas Programme" (FMBAP) for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20 and further extended up-to March, 2021.Cabinet further provided approval to the scheme up-to September, 2022. The process for EFC approval from Cabinet up-to March, 2026 is underway. Since the inception of FMP/RMBA & till March, 2023, Central Assistance of Rs. 7012.79 Cr. has been released to Union Territories/State Governments under FMP component of FMBAP scheme and CA of Rs. 1184.13 Cr. has been released to UTs/States under RMBA component of FMBAP scheme.

India and Bangladesh Matters

1. Technical Level Meeting under India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) framework held at New Delhi during 23-24 August, 2023

The India-Bangladesh Technical Level Meeting under the framework of the Joint Rivers Commission was held during 23-24 August, 2023 at New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Atul Jain, Commissioner (FM), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India and Member, India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission, while the Bangladesh delegation was led by Dr. Mohammad Abul Hossen, Member, India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission.

2. Treaty on Sharing of Ganga/Ganges Waters at Farakka

A Treaty was signed by the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh on 12th December, 1996 for the sharing of Ganga/Ganges waters at Farakka during the lean season. As per the Treaty, the Ganga/Ganges waters is being shared at Farakka (which is the last control structure on river Ganga in India) during lean period, from 1st January to 31st May every year, on 10-daily basis as per the formula provided in the Treaty. The validity of Treaty is 30 years. The sharing of water as per the Treaty is being monitored by a Joint Committee headed by Members, JRC from both sides. The following India-Bangladesh Joint Committee Meetings have been convened:

1. The 80^thmeeting of the Joint Committee on sharing of the Ganga/Ganges Waters at Farakka was held at Kolkata on 3rd March, 2023 after visit to the joint observation sites at Farakka on 1st March, 2023.
2. The 81st meeting of the Joint Committee on sharing of the Ganga/Ganges waters at Farakka was held at Dhaka on 11^th May, 2023 after a visit to the joint observation site at Hardinge Bridge, on 9^th May, 2023.
3. The 82^ndmeeting of the Joint Committee on sharing of the Ganga/Ganges waters at Farakka was held at New Delhi on 24^thAugust, 2023 for finalization of Annual Report of the lean/dry season of the year 2023.

During the meetings the Indian delegation was led by Mr. Atul Jain, Commissioner (FM), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of the Republic of India and Member, India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Dr. Mohammad Abul Hossen, Member, India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

10. National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD)

Cleaning of river is a continuous process and Government of India is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments in addressing the challenges of pollution of rivers by providing financial and technical assistance. Assistance is provided to State Governments for abatement of pollution in identified stretches of various rivers (excluding river Ganga and its tributaries) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) on cost sharing basis between the Central & State Governments for taking up various pollution abatement works relating to interception & diversion of raw sewage, construction of sewerage systems, setting up of sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation, river front/bathing ghat development, etc.

Achievements and initiatives under NRCP:

• Project for ‘Pollution abatement and conservation of River Nag at Nagpur, Maharashtra’ sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 1,926.99 crore with Japan International Cooperation Assistance.
• Project for “Pollution Abtement and Conservation of river Jhelum at Chuntkul and Gawkadal areas’ in Srinagar (J&K) at a cost of Rs.66.17 crore.
• Project for “Pollution Abatement and Conservation of Zuari river’ at Curchorem and surrounding areas in Goa at a cost of Rs.81.14 crore
• Project for “Phase-I Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant in 13 Urban Local Bodies, Nagaland under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), at a cost of Rs.61.47 crore
• Project of "Assessment of ecological status of the select 6 Indian rivers (namely Cauvery, Godavari, Periyar, Mahanadi, Narmada & Barak River)" under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) by Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun at an estimated cost of Rs. 24.56 Crore.
• In order to broad base the activities under NRCP and amalgamate biodiversity conservation and stakeholder participation in the river conservation process, WII (Wildlife Institute of India) has been entrusted to carry out a biodiversity study for six rivers, Mahanadi, Narmada, Godavari, Periyar, Cauvery & Barak.
• Sewage Treatment Plant of 180.80mld capacity has been created under NRCP, thereby reducing pollution load entering into the rivers & improving their water quality.
• Central Assistance amounting to Rs.164 crore released to various State Governments/Agencies for implementation of projects under NRCP.
• “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” 2022 has been celebrated in collaboration with all stakeholders of concerned States/UTs for creating awareness amongst the citizens and generating public Participation for the purpose.

11. External Affairs &International Cooperation (EA&IC)

G20: India assumed the Presidency of the G20 from 1^st December, 2022 to 30^th November, 2023. During India's G20 Presidency, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) participated in four Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meetings. Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India under Climate Sustainability Working Group participated in 2^nd G20 Environment & Climate Sustainability Work Group (ECSWG) meeting on Water in Gandhinagar during 27-29 March 2023. During the meeting, India provided a platform for showcasing best practices on Water Management by G20 Member countries. The best practices shared by G20 members were compiled into a compendium enabling knowledge exchanges and cross learning amongst G20 countries. Accordingly, a draft template was designed and circulated to all G20 member countries by this Ministry through MoEF&CC, being the Nodal Ministry, Govt. of India. The final draft was launched in fourth meeting of ECSWG on July 27, 2023 at Chennai.

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