• conducted by Ministry of Jal Shakti

Why Census?

Water crisis

  • groundwater decline
  • biodiversity loss
  • climate change
  • increasing floods and drought

Importance of water bodies

  • buffer against climate change vulnerability
  • holding flood water for use in dry periods
  • food and water security
  • livelihood security
  • irrigation and livestock
  • cultural and ecological significance

Threats to water bodies

  • pollution
  • encroachment
  • urbanisation
  • drying

Data needs

  • Need for base line data
  • Data on reservoirs and rivers
    • Water Resources Information System (WRIS)
  • no such data on smaller water bodies
    • lifeline for rural india