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Source: The post is based on the article “The distribution and utilization of water bodies in India” published in The Hindu on 27th April 2023
What is the News?
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the report of the first census of water bodies.
What is the first census of water bodies?
What are the other key findings of the census of water bodies?
Usage of water bodies: The majority of water bodies serve as resources for fish farming (55%) with their subsequent uses including irrigation, replenishing groundwater, and providing water for household and drinking needs.
– In general, the east and the northeast states use most of the water bodies for fish farming.
– Over 50% of the water bodies are used for irrigation in Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka and Jharkhand.
– In Manipur and Himachal Pradesh, more than 50% are used for drinking. Industrial usage is minimal in all the States.
Water bodies found in: Around 97.1% of water bodies can be found in rural regions; only 2.9% are situated in urban areas. Of these, 83.7% are in use, while the rest are non-functional or unused due to factors such as construction, siltation, irreparable damage, and industrial effluents, among others.
Owned by: Of the total water bodies, 55.2% are privately owned and the rest are publicly owned.
