(a) whether the major irrigation projects have not been successful in creation of projected
irrigation potential;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard;
(d) whether the minor irrigation projects have been more effective in expansion of irrigation
facilities in the country; and
(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government for promotion and implementation of minor irrigation projects?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) to (e) Of the irrigation potential of about 120 lakh hectare of major/medium irrigation projects
included in the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), irrigation potential of 54.86 lakh
hectare is reported to have been created up to March 2009. The corresponding figures in respect of
Surface Minor Irrigation Schemes (SMIS) are 14.18 lakh and 4.54 lakh hectares respectively. Further
irrigation potential of 9.82 lakh hectares is estimated to have been created during 2009-10 from
major/medium/SMIS.
SMIS are having comparatively low gestation period as usually, there is no serious land acquisition,
resettlement and rehabilitation forest land acquisition, contractual or other problems with these
schemes which are usually associated with the major/medium irrigation projects. The size of the
project to be constructed at a particular location is determined by various considerations such
as water availability, availability of command area, suitability of foundation, availability of
construction material etc. Usually SMIS are found to be more suitable for hilly states where
available command area is of small size due to topographical reasons.
There is no restriction on number of SMIS to be included in the AIBP provided they fulfill the criteria
prescribed in the AIBP guidelines. So far, 281 major/medium projects have been included in the AIBP and
the numbers of SMIS funded under AIBP are 10808.