Parliament Question: Progress of groundwater conservation and recharge works in Jharkhand

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4083 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 PROGRESS OF GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION AND RECHARGE WORKS IN JHARKHAND 4083 # SHRI PRADIP KUMAR VARMA: Will the Minister of Jal Shakti be pleased to state: (a) the number of blocks in the State of Jharkhand where groundwater levels have declined during the last three years; (b) the number of approved and completed structures (check dams, rainwater harvesting, etc.) for groundwater recharge in the State; (c) the amount of funds released by the Central Government under groundwater conservation schemes; and (d) the number of new projects proposed in the State of Jharkhand for groundwater improvement in the upcoming financial year? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY) (a) Ground water level monitoring in the country including in the State of Jharkhand, is conducted on a regular basis by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under this Ministry and respective State Governments. In order to assess long term fluctuation in ground water levels in Jharkhand, the ground water level data recorded by CGWB during its post-monsoon round of monitoring done in November/December 2025, has been compared with the decadal mean ground water levels for the previous 10 years (2013-2024). Such analysis of data indicates that 33.8% of the monitored wells in Jharkhand exhibit a fall in groundwater levels. However, relatively higher amount of decline, i.e. in the range of 2-4 meters, is noticed in Simaria, Chakulia,, Manika, Mandu, Gamharia and Noamundi Blocks. (b) ‘Water’ being a State subject, sustainable development and management of groundwater resources is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. However, the Central Government facilitates the efforts of the State Governments by way of technical and financial assistance through its various schemes and projects. 1i. Efforts of the Government for augmenting the water/groundwater resources of the country are mainly channeled through the flagship campaign of Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), an annual mission mode programme for taking up water harvesting and artificial recharge activities. As per the information available on JSA dashboard, under JSA, more than 2 Crore water conservation and artificial recharge works have been taken up through convergence in the country so far, with around 5.79 lakh works in Jharkhand (including 2,957 check dams, 68,530 ponds and 12,130 roof-top rain water harvesting structures) which has played a key role in enhancing the sustainability of ground water resources. ii. To further strengthen the momentum of JSA, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative has been launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2024 with a vision to make rain water harvesting a mass movement in the country. By promoting community ownership and responsibility, the initiative seeks to develop cost-effective, local solutions tailored to specific water challenges across different regions. Thus far, more than 47 lakh rain water harvesting and artificial recharge structures have been constructed across the country under this initiative, with 11,286 structures in Jharkhand. iii. Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched by the Government of India which aimed at developing and rejuvenating at least 75 water bodies in each district of the country. As an outcome nearly 69,000 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed/rejuvenated in the country, with 2,048 sarovars in Jharkhand, leading to enhanced water storage and ground water recharge. (c) The programmes of Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari are being implemented in convergence with other ongoing Central and State schemes like MGNRGES (VB G RAM G), PMKSY etc. and no separate budgetary provisions are made. Under MGNREGS, as per scheme guidelines at least 60% expenditure is to be incurred on public works relating to Natural Resource Management (NRM) under which construction of water conservation and water harvesting structures is a major thrust area. To further boost the spending on water conservation works at the grassroots level, during September, 2025, under the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’, it has been decided to spend at least 65% of MGNREGS funds on water conservation works in Over-Exploited (OE) and Critical Blocks of the country and 40% in Semi-critical Blocks. (d) Field level planning and implementation of projects for ground water improvement is the mandate of the concerned State Government and its line departments. The Central Government is committed to extending its support for such endeavors. ***** 2