8. Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies Scheme

In India, tanks/ponds and lakes have traditionally played an important role in conserving water for meeting various needs of the communities. Minor irrigation sources (tanks etc.) have 6.27

million ha. of irrigation potential. Around 15-20 per cent sources are not in use for one reason or

the other, as a result of which one million ha of irrigation potential has been lost. Another, around

2 M-ha of potential is lost due to under utilisation of tanks in use.

The Government of India sanctioned a Pilot Scheme for “National Project for Repair, Renovation & Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies directly linked to Agriculture” in January, 2005. Financial share of centre and state is in ration of 3:1. The objectives of the Scheme were to restore and augment storage capacities of water bodies, and also to recover and extend their lost irrigation potential. In its pilot phase, irrigation potential for 1.73 lakh hectare was realized.

With the success of pilot scheme, scheme has been extended for twelfth five year plan. It is envisaged to take up RRR works in 10,000 water bodies with a Central Assistance of Rs. 6235 crore. Out of 10000 water bodies, 9000 water bodies are proposed to be in rural areas and balance 1000 water bodies will be in urban areas. The proposal of water bodies where the Integrated Water Management Programme (IWMP) is implemented would be considered to be included under the scheme RRR of water bodies. At gram panchayat level, water users’

associations (WUA) are responsible for detail project report and implementation. There are corresponding bodies at district, state levels and national level also.

Main objectives of the scheme

♤ Comprehensive improvement and restoration water bodies, thereby increasing tank storage capacity.

♤ Ground Water Recharge.

♤ Increased availability of drinking water.

♤ Improvement in agriculture/horticulture productivity.

♤ Improvement of catchment areas of tank commands.

♤ Environmental benefits through improved water use efficiency; by promotion of conjunctive use of surface and ground water.

♤ Community participation and self-supporting system for sustainable management for each water body.

♤ Capacity Building of communities, in better water management.