GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3684

TO BE ANSWERED ON AUGUST 09, 2017

DEMAND OF WATER IN CITIES No. 3684

SHASHI THAROOR

 Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

• whether rising demand for water in cities such as Mumbai where 3,750 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of water, including water for commercial and industrial use is available, whereas 4,500 MLD is needed has been noticed by the Government;
•  if so, whether primary sources of water for cities like Mumbai and other cities in the nation are lakes created by dams across rivers in proximity;
• whether the distribution of available water means providing connections to the residents of major cities through piped connection which on average numbers in millions, given the size of most metro cities in India and if so, the details thereof; and
• whether breaks or limitations of distribution results in the tapping of ground water, where the Centre for Science and Environment, has suggested that 48% of urban water supply in India comes from ground water, which results in the drastic decrease in ground water and if so, the facts in this regard?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam.

(2) (d): Yes, Madam. As per 71st City Water Excreta Survey Report 2005- 06 published by Centre for Science & Environment, 48% Urban Water Supply in India comes from Ground Water, which is causing decrease in ground water tables across the country. Also, as per report of Standing Committee on Water Resources (2015-16) of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, exploitation of ground water for irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes, in a proportion more than the rainfall recharge are main factors that have resulted in depletion of ground water in the country.