📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / वर्षा देशपांडे
Agriculture
Maharashtra tops second water bodies census with 474,000 water bodies, UP records 286,000
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 03 Oct 2026, 07:46 PM
👁 11
The second nationwide water bodies census shows Maharashtra leading with 474,000 water bodies, while Uttar Pradesh records 286,000. Five other states reported a decline in their counts.
The recently released second water bodies census indicates that Maharashtra has the highest count, with 474,000 water bodies documented across the state. Uttar Pradesh follows with 286,000 water bodies recorded in its territory. The data reflects a comprehensive mapping of ponds, lakes, reservoirs and other inland water resources nationwide.
According to the census, five states experienced a reduction in the number of water bodies compared to the previous count, signalling possible environmental stress or changes in land use. The decline underscores the need for focused water conservation measures in those regions.
Officials highlighted that the census provides critical inputs for water resource planning, agricultural irrigation strategies and ecosystem management. The figures will inform state and central policies aimed at preserving and revitalising India's dwindling inland water assets.
According to the census, five states experienced a reduction in the number of water bodies compared to the previous count, signalling possible environmental stress or changes in land use. The decline underscores the need for focused water conservation measures in those regions.
Officials highlighted that the census provides critical inputs for water resource planning, agricultural irrigation strategies and ecosystem management. The figures will inform state and central policies aimed at preserving and revitalising India's dwindling inland water assets.