Artificial Recharge of Ground Water
In order to augment the depleting ground water resources, it is essential that the surplus monsoon runoff that flows into the sea is conserved and recharged to augment ground water resources. Ground water storage that could be feasible has been estimated as 214 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of which 160 Billion Cubic Meters is considered retrievable. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has prepared the master plan for artificial recharge to ground water for all states in the country. Out of total geographical area of 3287263 sq. km. of the country, an area of 448760 sq. km. has been identified feasible for artificial recharge. The total quantity of surplus monsoon runoff that can be recharged, works out to be 36.4 BCM. The master plan envisages number of artificial recharge and water conservation structures around 39 lakh in the country at an estimated cost of Rs. 24500 crores.
The CGWB has prepared a Manual and subsequently a Guide on Artificial Recharge to Ground Water which provide guidelines on investigation techniques for selection of feasible sites, planning & design of artificial recharge structures, economic evaluation & monitoring of recharge facility. These are of immense use to States/ U.T.s in planning and implementation of artificial recharge and rain water harvesting schemes for augmentation of ground water in various parts of the country.
During the Ninth Five Year Plan, a Central Sector Scheme “Studies on Recharge of Ground Water” was undertaken by the CGWB, in which 165 artificial recharge pilot projects were implemented in 27 States/UTs in coordination with organizations of State governments & NGO / VOs, etc. with 100% central funding. Civil works were done by state implementing agencies under technical guidance of the CGWB. State wise details of pilot artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting projects along with their cost is indicated in Annexure I Efficacy of the recharge structures constructed in different hydrogeological conditions of the country was assessed through impact assessment studies taken after completion of recharge facility and has indicated rise in water levels and sustainability of dug wells/ tubewells locally including other benefits like decrease in soil erosion and improvement in social-economic status of farmers of benefited zone due with increase in crop production (Annexure II)
In 2006, a demonstrative scheme on “Rain Water Harvesting and Artificial Recharge to Ground Water” has been taken up at following areas:
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Lingala, Pulivendula Vemula and Vemalli blocks in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh
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Gangavalli block in Salem district, Tamil Nadu
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Mallur Block in Kolar district, Karnataka
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Bel watershed, Amla & Multai Blocks in Betul District, Madhya Pradesh.
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Upper reaches of Choti kali Sindh river in parts of Sonkatch & Bagli blocks in Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh.
The approved cost of projects is Rs. 5.95 crores for implementation by the departments of states under overall technical guidance of CGWB during 2006-08 with 100% funding by the Central Government. The norms adopted in implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) by the Ministry of Rural Development are being followed in implementation of civil works of the present scheme and the strategy for implementation of demonstrative projects is given in Annexure III. Under this scheme, priority is given to hard rock areas having over-exploited ground water resources. The first installment of 70% of the approved cost of the project is released after approval of the project to the implementing agencies. The next installment of 30% of the approved cost is released on recommendation of State Level Technical Coordination Committee on physical progress and after utilization of 70% of initial funds released to the implementing agency. The details of demonstrative Projects on Artificial Recharge to Ground Water and Rain Water Harvesting approved and being implemented in states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh is given in Annexure IV. On completion of civil works of recharge facility, impact assessment studies will be taken up to demonstrate the efficacy of artificial recharge and rain water harvesting in above mentioned sites selected on scientific basis in different hydrogeological situations. Successful examples would be replicated by the states in similar set ups in future.
Ministry
of Water Resources
Scheme on Artificial Recharge to Ground Water Through Dug Wells