(a) the number of the major, medium and minor irrigation projects that are running
delayed in the country, State/UT- wise;
(b) the cost of these projects at the time they were started and the persent escalated
cost of these projects;
(c) the reasons for the dismal picture; and
(d) the remedial steps proposed to be taken for their completion?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b) The Working Group Report on Major, Medium Irrigation and Command Area
Development for XII Plan formulation has mentioned that 287 Major/Medium projects were
ongoing at the end of XI Plan. Out of these projects, Central Water Commission (CWC)
has indicated that 163 Major/Medium projects are considered delayed.
Besides, 1627 Surface MI schemes under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)
targeted to be completed during the XI Plan, are delayed. The State-wise and Project-
wise details of 163 Major/Medium irrigation projects are at Annexure-I.
The State-wise details of 1627 Surface MI schemes along with the reasons for
delay is given in Annexure-II. Regarding escalation of cost due to delay, the total
cost of MI schemes at the time of inclusion of those schemes which are eligible for
funding under AIBP and the cost overrun if any, due to delay in completion of such MI
schemes is to be borne by the respective State Governments.
(c) The general reasons for delay in implementation of the major/medium irrigation
Projects as reported by the State Governments to the Working Group for the XII Plan
Formulation, inter-alia, include paucity of funds, interstate problems, delay in land
acquisition, delay in environment and forest clearance process, naxal menace, change in
design, rehabilitation and resettlement issues, contractual litigation, local disputes,
inter-departmental clearances i.e. Railways, Roads, Highways, & Power departments.
(d) Irrigation being a State Subject, the irrigation projects are planned, executed
and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their resources and priorities.
However, the Union Government provides Central Assistance (CA) under Accelerated
Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) to the State Governments on their requests
and as per the Guidelines of AIBP for completion of approved ongoing Major/Medium/
Surface Minor Irrigation projects.