Executive Summary:
This document provides details on minor irrigation schemes in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Shrawasti and Balrampur districts, as part of the Indian government's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 864 on July 24, 2025. It outlines the number of ponds, wells, and tubewells sanctioned under various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) and the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS program. The document also details initiatives to promote micro-irrigation and water harvesting in these districts. The report covers activities and achievements until the financial year 2025-26.
Key Points / Main Content:
Minor Irrigation Schemes and Infrastructure:
* Under PMKSY-HKKP-GW, 14,752 wells have been constructed in Uttar Pradesh, with 2,400 in Balrampur district; the scheme has not been implemented in Shravasti district.
* Under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS program, 292,561 farm ponds have been taken up across Uttar Pradesh, including 6,528 in Balrampur and 1,095 in Shravasti district.
* Under the same program, 89,829 wells have been taken up, including 1,619 in Balrampur and 219 in Shravasti district.
* The Minor Irrigation Department of Uttar Pradesh has proposed ponds, wells, and tube wells under the Mukhymantri Laghu Sinchai Yojna.
* In the financial year 2025-26, under the Mukhymantri Laghu Sinchai Yojna, Uttar Pradesh has sanctioned 198,273 shallow tube wells (2,975 in Shravasti and 4,400 in Balrampur), 9,345 medium deep tube wells (12 in Shravasti), 4,282 deep tube wells (12 in Shravasti and 2 in Balrampur), 204 ponds, and 1,178 blast wells.
Micro Irrigation Facilities:
* Under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component, 495,542 hectares have been covered under micro-irrigation in Uttar Pradesh, including 6,457 hectares in Balrampur and 3,531 hectares in Shravasti.
* PDMC was implemented as part of PMKSY until 2021-22 and is now under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY) from 2022-23.
Water Harvesting and Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives:
* The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) completed the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) project, including in Shrawasti and Balrampur, and shared aquifer maps and management plans with state agencies.
* CGWB conducts Public Interaction Programmes under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to raise awareness on groundwater depletion and conservation.
* CGWB prepared a Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater 2020, suggesting rooftop rainwater harvesting for urban areas, with specific areas identified in Shrawasti and Balrampur; implementation is through existing state schemes.
* National Water Policy 2012 advocates rainwater harvesting and conservation, emphasizing community participation.
* A Model Bill has been circulated to states/UTs for groundwater legislation, including rainwater harvesting; 21 states/UTs, including Uttar Pradesh, have adopted it.
* The Ministry of Jal Shakti issued an advisory on implementing rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge, including SOPs and BIS standards.
* Model Building Byelaws, 2016 recommend Rainwater Harvesting for buildings with plot sizes of 100 sq.m or more; 35 states/UTs, including Uttar Pradesh, have incorporated these provisions.
* The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) and Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaigns promote water conservation across India.
* "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari" (JSJB) initiative focuses on community mobilization for low-cost rainwater harvesting structures.
* Under JSA:CTR and JSJB, work has commenced on 871 water bodies in Balrampur and 675 in Shravasti.
* Mahatma Gandhi NREGA permits water conservation and harvesting structures, including rooftop rainwater harvesting, with a focus on groundwater recharge.
Impact Analysis:
Government of India:
Impact: Responsible for implementing and monitoring various irrigation and water conservation schemes, providing financial and technical support, and formulating policies and guidelines.
Action Required: Continue implementing and monitoring the mentioned schemes, providing support to state governments, and refining policies based on feedback and results.
Government of Uttar Pradesh:
Impact: Responsible for implementing central government schemes at the state level, executing projects, and ensuring effective water resource management in districts like Shrawasti and Balrampur.
Action Required: Implement the central government schemes, prepare DPRs for water harvesting projects, and enforce groundwater legislation and building bye-laws.
District Administrations (Shrawasti and Balrampur):
Impact: Responsible for the on-the-ground implementation of schemes, creating district water conservation plans, and providing technical guidance to locals through Jal Shakti Kendras.
Action Required: Formulate and implement District Water Conservation Plans, establish and maintain Jal Shakti Kendras, and mobilize communities for water conservation efforts.
Local Communities:
Impact: Beneficiaries of improved irrigation facilities and water conservation measures, as well as active participants in community-based water management initiatives.
Action Required: Participate in water conservation programs, adopt water-efficient practices, and engage with Jal Shakti Kendras for guidance and support.
Farmers:
Impact: Access to improved irrigation infrastructure and micro-irrigation facilities, leading to better crop yields and water use efficiency.
Action Required: Adopt micro-irrigation techniques, participate in relevant schemes, and follow best practices for water management in agriculture.
Key Entities Referenced
Uttar Pradesh: A state in India, focus of the minor irrigation schemes mentioned in the document.
Shrawasti district, Uttar Pradesh: A district in Uttar Pradesh, mentioned in the context of irrigation schemes and water harvesting initiatives.
Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh: A district in Uttar Pradesh, mentioned in the context of irrigation schemes and water harvesting initiatives.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY): A Government of India scheme related to irrigation and water management.
Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): A component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) related to providing water to every field.
Mahatma Gandhi NREGS programme: A Government of India program focused on rural employment, also involved in farm pond construction.
Mukhymantri Laghu Sinchai Yojna: An irrigation scheme proposed by the Minor Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): An organization involved in ground water mapping and promoting water conservation.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 864
ANSWERED ON 24.07.2025
MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES IN UTTAR PRADESH
†864. SHRI RAM SHIROMANI VERMA
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) the number of ponds, wells and tube-wells sanctioned under minor irrigation schemes in Uttar Pradesh
particularly in Shrawasti and Balrampur districts;
(b) whether micro irrigation (drip/sprinkler) facilities are being provided in these districts under the Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government has taken any special initiative to promote water harvesting and rain water
harvesting in these districts, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) The Government of India is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) with
Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) as one of its components and the Ground Water (GW) schemes have been
incorporated as part of PMKSY-HKKP. A total of 14,752 wells has been constructed under the PMKSY-
HKKP-GW scheme across Uttar Pradesh, including 2,400 wells in Balrampur district. However, the
PMKSY-HKKP-GW scheme has not been implemented in Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh.
Additionally, under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS programme, a total 2,92,561 farm ponds taken up
across the Uttar Pradesh, including 6528 in Balrampur and 1095 in Shravasti district. Furthermore, a total of
89,829 wells has been taken up under the programme, including 1,619 in Balrampur and 219 in Shravasti
district.
The Minor Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh has also proposed ponds, wells and
tube wells in Uttar Pradesh under the “Mukhymantri Laghu Sinchai Yojna”. The details of sanction ponds,
wells and tube wells in Uttar Pradesh including Shravasti and Balarampur district in financial year 2025-26
is given in Annexure.
(b) The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme
(CSS) of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) in the Country including Uttar Pradesh from the year 2015-16.
During 2015-16 to 2021-22, PDMC implemented as a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
Yojana (PMKSY). From the year 2022-23, the scheme is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).
1Under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component a total area of 4,95,542 hectares has been covered
under Micro Irrigation across the Uttar Pradesh, including 6,457 hectares in Balrampur district and 3,531
hectares in Shravasti district.
(c) Iinitiatives taken by Government of India to promote water harvesting and rain water harvesting across
the country including Shrawasti and Balrampur districts of Uttar Pradesh, are as follows:
1. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has completed the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM)
Project in the entire mappable area of about 25 Lakh sq. km. including Shrawasti and Balrampur
districts of Uttar Pradesh. The Aquifer maps and management plans have been prepared and shared
with the respective State agencies for implementation. From supply side, the proposed interventions
are constructions of Artificial Recharge structures, on farm Water Management Scheme, Revival
and renovation of ponds, Construction of embankments along the course of Rapti river and
adopting water use efficiency practices. Additionally, CGWB, also conducts Public Interaction
Programme under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav including Shravasti and Balrampur district aimed to
creating awareness and sensitizing local communities on critical issues related to ground water
depletion, sustainable water conservation practices and region-specific ground water challenges.
2. CGWB has prepared a Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020 in consultation
with States/UTs which is a macro level plan indicating various structures for the different terrain
conditions of the country including estimated cost. In Shrawasti and Balrampur districts of Uttar
Pradesh, roof-top rain water harvesting has been suggested for the urban area in which 0.0084 sq.
km & 0.0688 sq. km area respectively has been has been considered as Roof Top rain water
harvesting. DPR has to be prepared by the concerned line department of the respective State
Government at an implementable level like any other water supply project or city development
project. Implementation has to be done through existing schemes of the respective State
Government only and no separate scheme/fund has been envisaged for implementation. The Master
Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020 circulated to all the States/UTs for
implementation.
3. National Water Policy (2012) formulated by Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, inter-alia,
advocates rainwater harvesting and conservation of water and highlights the need for augmenting
the availability of water through direct use of rainfall. It also advocates that conservation of river,
river bodies and infrastructure should be undertaken in a scientifically planned manner through
community participation. Further, encroachment and diversion of water bodies and drainage
channels must not be allowed and wherever, it has taken place, it should be restored to the extent
feasible and maintained properly.
4. Ministry has circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground
water legislation for regulation of its development, which also includes provision of rain water
2harvesting. So far, 21 States/UTs including Uttar Pradesh have adopted and implemented the
ground water legislation. Need for mandatory RWH is emphasized in all the high-level meetings
with States/ UTs, taken by Secretary, DoWR/ Chairman, CGWB.
5. DoWR, MoJS has issued advisory dated 31.03.2023 to Chief Secretaries/ Administrators of all
States/UTs regarding implementation of RWH and AR along with SOP and Dos and Don’ts. BIS
document on standards for RWH has also been included in the advisory. CGWA forwarded the
advisory to all SGWAs and concerned State Principal Secretaries.
6. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has circulated Model Building Bye-laws, 2016 which
recommends Rainwater Harvesting for all types of Building with plot size 100 sq.m or more. So far,
35 States/UTs including Uttar Pradesh have incorporated the provisions in their respective building
bye laws.
7. The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) in 2019 as a time-bound,
mission-mode water conservation campaign in 256 water-stressed districts. To sustain these efforts,
the National Water Mission initiated the Catch the Rain (CTR) campaign in 2020, which was later
subsumed into Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) in 2021, expanding coverage to all
districts, blocks and municipalities across India. Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain, a flagship
campaign of the National Water Mission, involves inter-sectoral convergence of all development
programmes like MGNREGS; AMRUT; Repair, Renovation and Restoration Scheme; Water Shed
Development Scheme; Per Drop More Crop etc. Furthermore, Jal Shakti Kendra’s (JSKs) have
been established across districts, serving as dedicated resource and knowledge canters to provide
technical guidance to locals and support district administration in implementation of rain water
harvesting systems. In addition, districts have formulated District Water Conservation Plans to
ensure sustainable water management in their respective districts.
8. To further strengthen JSA: CTR, The "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari" (JSJB) initiative, launched in
Surat, Gujarat on 6th September 2024, under Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR)
campaign focuses on intensifying community mobilization to build low-cost rainwater harvesting
structures in saturation mode. Under the JSA:CTR and JSJB works on 871 water bodies of
Balrampur and 675 of Shravasti has been taken up.
9. As per schedule I of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Section 4(3), Para 4(1), I. Category: A: Public
works relating to Natural Resources Management: Water Conservation and water harvesting
structure to augment and improve ground water like under ground dykes, earthen dams, stop dams,
check dams and roof top rain water harvesting structure in Government or Panchayat building with
special focus on recharging ground water including drinking water source are permissible.
***
3ANNEXURE
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF UNSTARREED QUESTION NO. 864
TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 24.07.2025 REGARDING “MINOR IRRIGATION
SCHEMES IN UTTAR PRADESH”
Details of sanction ponds, wells and tube wells in Uttar Pradesh including Shravasti and
Balarampur district in financial year 2025-26 under “Mukhymantri Laghu Sinchai Yojna”.
S. No. Schemes Uttar Pradesh Shravasti Balrampur
1 Shallow Tube Wells 198273 2975 4400
2 Medium deep tube wells 9345 12 0
3 Deep tube wells 4282 12 2
4 Pond 204 - -
5 Blast Wells 1178 - -
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