Question : IRRIGATION SCHEMES PROJECTS IN BUNDELKHAND

(a) whether the Government plans to launch special irrigation schemes/projects in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated for this purpose under various schcmes/programmes during the XIth Five Year Plan, year-wise;

(c) the present status of the irrigation facilities provided to the region alongwith the number of dams in the region for irrigation purpose;

(d) the details of proposals received by the Union Government from the State Government of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for irrigation projects for the region; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard and to increase the water reservoirs in the region in view of the recent drought condition?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) Government of India have approved a Special Package for Drought Mitigation and a Comprehensive Package for Integrated Development of Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP).

(b) Details of water resources related activities included in the above package are at Annex-I.

(c) As per the report of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team on “Drought Mitigation Strategy of Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh” total irrigation from all sources is 45.6% of the net sown area in Bundelkhand region of UP and 44.7% of the net sown area in Bundelkhand region of MP. The report further states that there are 28 major and medium irrigation projects in Bundelkhand region of UP and 19 major and medium irrigation projects in Bundelkhand region of MP in addition to minor irrigation systems including dug wells, shallow tube wells and deep tube wells.

(d) The Proposals received by the union Government from the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for irrigation projects for the region are at Annex-II.

(e) The schemes for irrigation development are conceived, planned and implemented by the respective State Governments. However, Government of India provides assistance to States under various schemes / programmes namely (i) Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme, (ii) Command Area Development and Water Management, and (iii) Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies.