ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE : NATURAL RESOURCES 37
It is since the Seventh Five Year Plan that the Ministry of Water Resources has been
implementing the Centrally sponsored Plan Scheme “Rationalization of Minor Irrigation
Statistics (RMIS)”. Under this scheme, the first census of minor irrigation projects with
reference year 1986-87 was conducted in all the States/UTs execpt Rajasthan. Its report
projects was conducted with reference year 1993-94. Its report was published in March 2001.
Thereafter, the third census of minor irrigation project with reference year 2000-2001
was conducted in all the States/UTs except the UTs of Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep.
It is felt that some Regions are lagging behind. Hence Central Loan Assistance is being
given to the North-Eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. KBK districts
of Orissa are also being provided with the assistance since 1999-2000 for minor irrigation works.
To condude, a great endeavor is being made at the Government level to economise the
expenditure of water for irrigation purpose.
REGULATION OF GROUND WATER UTILIZATION AND RESTRICTING ITS
OVERUTILIZATION
Water is vital for realising full potential of agriculture sector and Country’s Development.
Optimum development and efficient utilization of our water resources, therefore, assumes
great significance.
The erstwhile Department of Irrigation was redesignated as Ministry of Water Resources
in October 1985, and assigned the nodal role for development, conservation and management
of water as a National Resource. Water being the most crucial element, National Water
Policy was adopted in September 1987. The policy recommends need for integrated and
multi-disciplinary approach to planning, formation and implementation of projects. It also
lays down priority areas for planning and operation of systems. Highest -priority has been
assigned to drinking water followed by irrigation, Hydropower, navigation, industrial and
other users. The Policy further recommends that the quality of Surface and Ground Water
should be monitored.
In Flood Management Sector, the need for having a ‘Master Plan’ for Flood Control and
Management for each Flood Prone- basin through sound Watershed Management was
recognised in the policy and establishment of extensive network for flood forecasting
recommended. The policy further recommended the erosion of land by sea or river be
minimised by suitable cost-effective measures. Therefore, planning and management of this
resource and its optimal, economical and equitable use with application of Science and
Technology has become a matter of utmost urgency.
The Ministry is responsible for broadly laying down Policies and Programmes for
development and regulation of the Country’s Water Resources. Its role essentially covers
Sectoral Planning, Coordination, Policy Guidelines, technical examination, assistance in
water resources projects and facilitation of external help and assistance in resolution of
disputes as a result of inter-state problems.
The Central Ground Water Authority
The Central Ground Water Authority was set up in 14th January 1997 under the
Environment protection Act, 1986. It is vested with the responsibility of making an assessment