Chapter-23 : Water Resource
Short Notes or Revision Notes
GIST of India Year Book 2024
History of Irrigation & Power in India
- 1855:Department of Public Works takes responsibility for irrigation and power.
- 1858 Famine:Increased focus on irrigation, leading to canal construction.
- 1863:Inspector General of Canals appointed.
- 1919:Irrigation becomes a provincial subject.
Institutional Evolution (Irrigation & Water Resources)
- 1952:Ministry of Irrigation and Power established.
- 1974:Department of Irrigation under Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
- 1980:Under Ministry of Energy and Irrigation.
- 1985:Merged with Ministry of Irrigation and Power (later bifurcated).
- 2019:Ministry of Water Resources renamed Ministry of Jal Shakti (2 departments).
Ministry of Jal Shakti (Water Resources)
- Formulates policies and programs for water resource development.
- Irrigation
- Groundwater management
- Flood management
- River development
- Ganga rejuvenation
Key Initiatives:
- National Water Policy (2012):Focuses on conservation, development, and management.
- National Water Mission (NWM):Aims for water conservation, equitable distribution, and efficiency.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2021):Emphasizes water conservation, water body renovation, watershed development, and afforestation.
- Sahi Fasal Campaign:Promotes water-efficient crops in stressed areas.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga:Aims to rejuvenate the Ganga river basin.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (2015-16):Improves farm water access, irrigation efficiency, and sustainable practices.
- Ground Water Management and Regulation (GWMR) Scheme (2007-08):Deals with groundwater management.
- Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA):Regulates and controls groundwater development and management.
- Central Water Commission (CWC):Coordinates water resource schemes for flood management, irrigation, and water supply.
- Dam Safety Act (2021):Ensures the safe operation and maintenance of dams.
- National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) (2018):Acts as a central repository for water resources data.
- India Water Resources Information System (India-WRIS):Provides a platform for water resource data dissemination.
International Treaties
- Indus Waters Treaty (1960):Allocates specific Indus River System waters to India and Pakistan.
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