A study on encroachment and restoration of water bodies in India

India accounts for 18% of the world's population but has mere 4% of its fresh water resources. More than 80% of the water in the country is used for agriculture while the remaining is allocated for domestic and industrial purposes. India is gradually progressing from being a water-abundant country to one facing water scarcity owing to simmering pressure of population explosion and alarming rate of urbanisation and industrialisation. Population explosion, haphazard urbanisation and industrial expansion have led to the depletion of water bodies and thus paved the way for encroachment of water bodies. The enumeration, preservation, conservation and renovation of bodies are becoming increasingly important for economic, social and environmental sustainability. During the first census of water bodies (2017-18), 24,24,540 water bodies have been enumerated in the country, out of which 14,42,993 are ponds (59.5%), 3,81,805 are tanks (15.7%) and 2,92,280 are reservoirs (12.1%), whereas the remaining 3,07,462 are water conservation schemes (12.7%), check dams, percolation tanks, lakes and other water bodies. The present paper appraises the encroachment of water bodies, causes and impact of it. The central assistance released and water bodies restored and also the status of water conservation and water harvesting works in India are also appraised.