(a) whether the Planning Commission had approved an amount of Rs. 62.42 crore to be
provided to Himachal Pradesh for the Shah Nehar irrigation project; and
(b) if so, the time by which the Government would release the above amount to Himachal
Pradesh?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS & PLANNING (SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA)
(a): Yes madam. The Planning Commission, in the Annual Plan 2012-13, made an additional
allocation of Rs 62 crore under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme towards balance
realisation on account of Shah Nehar Project subject to necessary approvals. The Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs subsequently approved a Cabinet Note prepared by the
Ministry of Water Resources on “Continuation of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme
(AIBP) and Scheme of National Projects in XII Plan with pari passu implementation of
Command Area Development & Water Management (CAD&WM) and changes in policy
matters for implementation of AIBP and CAD&WM†with an outlay of Rs 70,200 crore
which inter-alia includes Rs 62.42 crore for Shah Nehar Project.
(b): For release of funds under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, the State
Government has to submit its proposal to the Ministry of Water Resources along with the
budgetary provisions made against their demand for utilization of this share against the
project.