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India is home to a vast network of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, that play a crucial role in the country's ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions of people.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, there are approximately 7.5 million water bodies in the country, which includes rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks, and reservoirs.
The government has launched several initiatives to map and conserve the country's water bodies, such as the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program and the National Wetland Conservation Program.
These initiatives aim to monitor and manage the country's water resources effectively and ensure their sustainability for future generations.
To complement the efforts of state governments, the central government provides them with technical and financial assistance through various plans and programs.
10 states with the highest number
| States | Total |
|---|---|
| West Bengal | 7,47,480 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 2,45,088 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1,90,777 |
| Odisha | 1,81,837 |
| Assam | 1,72,492 |
| Jharkhand | 1,07,598 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1,06,957 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 97,285 |
| Maharashtra | 97,062 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 88,017 |
Water bodies under severe stress
In recent years, these water bodies have come under severe stress due to various reasons, such as pollution, encroachment, and overuse.
One of the major issues facing India's water bodies is pollution. Several rivers and lakes in India have become heavily polluted due to the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste. The pollution not only affects the water quality but also poses a severe threat to aquatic life and the health of people who depend on these water bodies for their livelihoods.
In addition to pollution, many water bodies in India have also been encroached upon, which has led to a reduction in their size and capacity. This encroachment not only affects the natural ecosystem but also poses a severe risk to people living in the vicinity of these water bodies.
To address these issues, the central government has launched several initiatives to conserve and rejuvenate water bodies across the country.
These initiatives include the Namami Gange project, which aims to clean up the Ganges River, and the National Lake Conservation Plan, which focuses on the conservation and restoration of lakes and wetlands in India.
While these initiatives have shown some positive results, more needs to be done to protect India's water bodies from further degradation.
It is essential to raise awareness among people about the importance of preserving these water bodies and encourage them to take active measures to protect them. Only then can we ensure the sustainability of India's water resources for future generations.
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