Aquifer Mapping Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation is implementing a Central Sector Scheme Ground Water Management & Regulation in which aquifer mapping is a component during the XII Plan Period. An area of 8.89 lakh sq.km has been targeted to be covered during XII Plan Period which includes Over-Exploited, Critical and Semi-critical areas prioritized for mapping in this phase. Mapping for an area of 2.28 lakh sq. km has been completed as against the target of 2.38 lakh sq.km, till March, 2016. Against the Budgetary Estimates (BE) of Scheme of Ground Water Management and Regulation allocated during last three years i.e. 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, year-wise expenditure incurred is around Rs.84.4 crore, Rs.109.36 crore & Rs 152.55 crore respectively. BE Allocated and expenditure incurred by the Offices of CGWB for various States. The pilot project on aquifer mapping started in November, 2011 and the stipulated completion time was by November, 2013. However, the project schedule was revised due to delay in receiving permissions for undertaking heli-borne electromagnetic survey and subsequently, for the maps prepared from analysis of data. There has been no cost escalation in execution of the project with reference to estimated cost. The Pilot Project has been completed in June, 2015 and the final reports have been placed in public domain on the website of CGWB. This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. Samir/jk
