The Union Cabinet today approved the following proposals of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) for relaxation in criteria for inclusion of extension, renovation and modernization of projects, Rehabilitation of Minor Irrigation Schemes and inclusion of new Minor Irrigation Schemes under AIBP :
The Cabinet approved special dispensation for completion of pre-fifth and fifth plan projects. This measure will help to complete 31 major/ medium irrigation projects of pre-V Plan and V Plan projects by taking them under AIBP during X Five Year Plan. It has been decided to include Extension, Renovation and Modernization of Major/Medium Projects under AIBP. This will help the States to create additional irrigation potential at lesser cost and improvement of water use efficiency aspect also.
The Cabinet also decided to include new Minor Irrigation Scheme with potential more than 100 hectare in General Category States with preference to Tribal Areas and drought-prone areas. This measure will help the States to speed up the development of Tribal Areas and drought-prone areas and creation of additional potential.
The Cabinet decided to delegate to the Ministry of Water Resources powers to carry out minor modifications in the programme after concurrence of Ministry of Finance & Planning Commission.
It was also decided to extend special relaxation for drought prone areas, flood prone areas and tribal areas at par with special category States/region. This measure will help States to speed up the development of drought prone areas, flood prone areas and tribal areas and creation of additional potential.
RK/HK/CS
(Release ID :7867)