Parliament Question: Strengthening of Water Storage Capacity

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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