The Ministry of Jal Shakti has recently released the report of the first census of waterbodies in India.

Waterbodies Census

• It is the first ever process of conducting a comprehensive survey of all the waterbodies in a particular region or country.
• The census aims to identify and classify different types of waterbodies like ponds, tanks, lakes, and reservoirs, among others.
• The information can help in the development of strategies for their conservation and management.

Major highlight: Definition of Waterbodies

• The census defines a waterbody as a unit bounded on all sides that is used for storing water for various purposes.
• These units can be either natural or man-made and may or may not have masonry work.
• Waterbodies are used for a variety of purposes, such as irrigation, industrial use, pisciculture, domestic and drinking water supply, recreation, religious purposes, and groundwater recharge.
• The report states that any structure that accumulates water from ice-melt, streams, springs, rain or drainage of water from residential or other areas or stores water by diversion from a stream, nala or river is also considered a waterbody.

Key facts: Distribution of Waterbodies

According to the report, India has 24.24 lakh water bodies like ponds, tanks, and lakes, with West Bengal having the highest number (7.47 lakh) and Sikkim having the least number (134).

State-Wise Distribution of Waterbodies

• The report highlights that West Bengal has the highest number of ponds and reservoirs, while Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of tanks.
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes, and Maharashtra is the leading state with water conservation schemes.
• South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal has been ranked as the top district having the highest (3.55 lakh) number of waterbodies across the country.

Issues highlighted: Encroachment of Waterbodies

• Total 1.6% of waterbodies reported to be encroached
• 4% of encroached waterbodies in rural areas, 4.6% in urban areas
• 8% of encroached waterbodies have less than 25% area under encroachment
• 8% of waterbodies have more than 75% area under encroachment

Conclusion

• The census provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of waterbodies in India, highlighting the states and districts with the highest number of waterbodies.
• The data on encroachment of waterbodies can help in identifying areas where conservation efforts are needed to protect these valuable resources.

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