Dugwell recharge scheme proposed in 7 states

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) The Dugwell Recharge Scheme aims to increase the recharge to the ground water reservoir by utilising the runoff generated in the agriculture fields, which otherwise goes waste.

According to official release issued here today, the scheme has large potential not only because of its capacity to recharge shallow aquifers but also it is economically affordable for local people.

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and State Ground Water Departments will provide technical guidance for optimum benefit and creating awareness amongst beneficiaries.

It is proposed that owners of the dugwells belonging to small and marginal farmers may be considered for 100 per cent subsidy, while for others the component of subsidy could be 50 per cent of the cost. The dugwell recharge scheme is proposed in 1180 over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks in seven states namely Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh which are predominantly underlain by hard rocks at total cost of Rs 1723.87 crore.

The scheme will be implemented in 75 identified areas of various States, particularly in over-exploited and dark blocks, drought prone and water scarcity areas, coastal areas and islands affected by saline water ingress, areas of inland salinity, urban areas showing steep decline in ground water levels and in sub-mountainous / hilly areas of the country. The proposal costing Rs 100 crore has been included in the eleventh Five Year Plan of CGWB, the release added.

UNI