**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer to Unstarred Question No. 3206 in Lok Sabha, answered on December 18, 2025, regarding the strengthening of water storage capacity. The Central Ground Water Board, North-Central Region, Bhopal, conducted a study and prepared a report on the revival of the Swarnrekha River and rejuvenation of 4 reservoirs in Gwalior Urban. Further action is dependent on State Government initiatives.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Survey and Report:**
* Central Ground Water Board, North Central Region, Bhopal, has conducted a study on the utilization and strengthening of water storage in Gwalior Lok Sabha Constituency.
* A report was prepared on "Revival of Swarnrekha River and Rejuvenation of 4 reservoirs (Mama ka Bandh, Veerpur Bandh, Girwai Bandh and Hanuman Bandh Reservoirs) in Gwalior Urban”.
* **Report Recommendations:**
* Hydrogeological measures suggested include recharge shafts in each reservoir.
* Creation of lined ponds to retain water and support local biodiversity is recommended.
* Strict control of encroachments around water bodies is advised.
* Prevention of untreated sewage and solid waste discharge into the river and reservoirs is noted.
* The report was shared with State and local authorities for planning and implementation.
* **State Government Role:**
* Water resources, including conservation, are the responsibility of the State Governments.
* State Governments are to study, plan, fund, and execute related aspects based on their resources and priorities.
* The technical report was shared with the government of Madhya Pradesh for appropriate utilization.
**Impact Analysis**
**State and Local Authorities**
* **Impact:** Receive the report on water storage capacity strengthening and related recommendations.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the report for planning and implementation of water resource management initiatives.
**Government of Madhya Pradesh**
* **Impact:** Receives the technical report on the revival and rejuvenation project.
* **Action Required:** Use the report for further appropriate utilization in their planning and initiatives related to water resources.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Jal Shakti: The primary ministry concerned with water resources, river development, and Ganga rejuvenation.
Central Ground Water Board, North-Central Region, Bhopal: Entity that conducted the survey and prepared the investigation report regarding groundwater conservation in Gwalior.
Gwalior: Location of the Lok Sabha constituency where groundwater conservation is being studied and implemented.
Narmada Basin Organisation: Cited for its broader recommendations related to water resources.
Revival of Swarnrekha River and Rejuvenation of 4 reservoirs: The title of the technical report prepared by the Central Ground Water Board.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3206
ANSWERED ON 18.12.2025
STRENGTHENING OF WATER STORAGE CAPACITY
†3206. SHRI BHARAT SINGH KUSHWAH:
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government had conducted any survey for proper utilisation and strengthening of the water
storage capacity of previously constructed structures for groundwater conservation and preservation in
Gwalior Lok Sabha Constituency on June 2025 by the Central Ground Water Board, North-Central Region,
Bhopal and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Central Ground Water Board, North-Central Region, Bhopal has submitted an investigation
report regarding Mama Ka Bandh, Virpur Bandh, Girwai Bandh, Hanuman Bandh and Swarnrekha in Gwalior
and if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government has directed the Department of Water Resources, Government of Madhya
Pradesh to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the updated progress of the action taken in this regard in accordance with the
said direction; and
(e) the time by which the physical work for the said groundwater conservation and preservation is likely to be
started?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) & (b) Central Ground Water Board, North Central Region, Bhopal has carried out a study for proper
utilization and strengthening of the water storage capacity of previously constructed structures for
groundwater conservation and preservation in Gwalior Lok Sabha Constituency and prepared a report on
“Revival of Swarnrekha River and Rejuvenation of 4 reservoirs (Mama ka Bandh, Veerpur Bandh, Girwai
Bandh and Hanuman Bandh Reservoirs) in Gwalior Urban”.
The report, while noting the broader recommendations of the Narmada Basin Organisation, Central
Water Commission and State authorities, further suggests hydrogeological measures such as: construction of
recharge shafts in each reservoir; creation of lined ponds to retain water and support local biodiversity; strict
control of encroachments around water bodies; prevention of discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste
into the river and reservoirs etc. The report has been shared with the concerned State and local authorities for
use in their planning and implementation.
(c) to (e) Water being a State subject, the aspects related to water resources including its conservation are to
be studied, planned, funded and executed by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and
priorities. As mentioned previously Central Ground Water Board has prepared a technical report on “Revival
of Swarnrekha River and Rejuvenation of 4 reservoirs in Gwalior Urban” and shared with the government of
Madhya Pradesh for further appropriate utilization.
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