Jal Shakti Ministry Releases Sixth Census Report on 'Minor Irrigation Schemes'

Discover the key insights from the Ministry of Jal Shakti's sixth census report on Minor Irrigation Schemes released on August 26, 2023. Learn about the significant findings, the distribution of schemes, and the impact of this report on water resources and development.

Introduction

In a significant stride towards understanding and effectively managing water resources, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, along with the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, has unveiled the eagerly awaited Sixth Census Report on Minor Irrigation Schemes. The report, published on August 26, 2023, marks a pivotal moment in the efforts to harness water for sustainable development. This comprehensive document offers deep insights into the state of minor irrigation schemes across India and their contributions to agricultural prosperity, rural livelihoods, and water conservation. Let's delve into the key highlights of this report and comprehend its implications for our nation.

Jal Shakti Ministry releases sixth census report on 'Minor Irrigation Schemes'

Unveiling the Census Report

The Sixth Minor Irrigation Census, covering the reference year 2017-18, encompasses data from 32 States and Union Territories. The enumeration of Government of India Minor Irrigation Schemes has previously conducted five censuses, each capturing the landscape of minor irrigation schemes during distinct reference years—1986-87, 1993-94, 2000-01, 2006-07, and 2013-14. However, the most recent census work faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges posed by unforeseen circumstances to data collection and analysis. Non etheless, the insights gathered are invaluable for informed decision-making in water resource management.

Key Facts from the Census Report

The Sixth Census Report brings to light a plethora of facts that shed light on the state of minor irrigation schemes in India. The report reveals a staggering count of 23.14 million minor irrigation (MI) schemes across the country. Among these, a remarkable 94.8% (21.93 million) are Ground Water (GW) schemes, while the remaining 5.2% (1.21 million) are Surface Water (SW) schemes. This division between GW and SW schemes signifies the diverse approaches employed to harness water resources for agricultural purposes.

Distribution Across States

Uttar Pradesh emerges as the frontrunner with the highest number of MI schemes, underscoring the state's emphasis on agricultural development and water management. Following closely are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Each of these states plays a pivotal role in contributing to the country's agricultural output through a plethora of irrigation schemes. Furthermore, when it comes to GW schemes, including dugwells, shallow tubewells, medium tubewells, and deep tubewells, Maharashtra takes the lead in well drilling, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable water usage.

Surface Water Schemes and Regional Dominance

The census report also highlights the dominance of certain states in Surface Water (SW) schemes. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, and Jharkhand collectively hold the highest share in SW schemes, which encompass surface flow and surface lift schemes. These states' geographic and hydrological characteristics make them ideal for harnessing surface water resources, reflecting the nation's diversified approach to water management.

Increased MI Plans and their Implications

Comparing the statistics between the Fifth and Sixth Census, the report identifies an increase of approximately 1.42 million MI plans. This growth signifies the evolving nature of water management strategies and the increasing emphasis on harnessing water resources for agricultural productivity. Notably, both Ground Water (GW) and Surface Water (SW) schemes have seen a respective increase of 6.9% and 1.2% at the national level, indicating a positive trend towards more efficient water use.

Dominance of Drilled Wells and Regional Specializations

Among the different types of MI schemes, drilled wells claim the highest share, followed by shallow tube-wells, medium tube-wells, and deep tube-wells. Maharashtra continues to be the forerunner in well drilling, surface flow, and surface lift schemes, showcasing its advanced water management practices. On the other hand, states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Punjab lead in specific areas, such as shallow tubewells, medium tubewells, and deep tubewells, respectively. This specialization among states contributes to a well-rounded and efficient water management system.

Privately Owned Plans and Concluding Thoughts

A remarkable observation from the census is that the majority of MI plans, standing at 96.6%, are privately owned. This indicates the active participation of individuals and communities in water resource management and agricultural development. As we absorb the insights from the Sixth Census Report on Minor Irrigation Schemes, it is evident that India's water management strategies are evolving, emphasizing sustainability, community involvement, and regional specialization.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How often has the Census on Minor Irrigation Schemes been conducted?

 The census has been conducted five times, with reference years in 1986-87, 1993-94, 2000-01, 2006-07, and 2013-14, prior to the Sixth Census in 2017-18.

Q: What was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Sixth MI Census?

 The census work for the Sixth Minor Irrigation Census was delayed due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting data collection and analysis.

Q: What is the distribution of MI schemes between Ground Water (GW) and Surface Water (SW) schemes?

 The census reveals that 94.8% of MI schemes are Ground Water (GW) schemes, while 5.2% are Surface Water (SW) schemes.

Q: Which states lead in the number of MI schemes?

 Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of MI schemes, followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Q: What types of schemes are included in Surface Water (SW) schemes?

 Surface Water (SW) schemes encompass surface flow and surface lift schemes, effectively utilizing surface water resources for irrigation.

Q: What is the significance of the increase in MI plans during the Sixth Census?

 The increase of about 1.42 million MI plans reflects evolving water management strategies and a positive trend towards more efficient water usage.

Conclusion

The Sixth Census Report on Minor Irrigation Schemes by the Ministry of Jal Shakti offers invaluable insights into India's water management landscape. As we analyze the distribution of schemes, the increase in plans, and the dominance of certain states in specific types of schemes, it's clear that water resource management is a dynamic and evolving field. This report underscores the importance of sustainable water use, community participation, and regional specialization in achieving agricultural prosperity and rural development. As we move forward, it's essential to integrate the findings from this report into policy and practice to ensure a water-secure and prosperous future for India.

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