Question : NATIONAL WATER PROJECTS

(a) whether the Government proposes to declare some of the major irrigation projects as National Projects and also provide ninety percent assistance to the projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether some of the State Governments, including Madhya Pradesh, have urged the Union Government to declare some irrigation projects as National Projects;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) The follow-up action taken by the Government thereon?

THE MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND WATER RESOURCES (SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 73 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2011 IN LOK SABHA REGARDING “NATIONAL WATER PROJECTS”.

(a) & (b) The Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 7.2.2008 approved the scheme of national projects and also approved 14 projects as national projects. The list of these 14 projects is enclosed at Annexure-I. The criteria for selection of National projects is given at Annexure-II.

As per the guidelines of National Projects, the projects are eligible for 90% grant of the balance project cost (cost of work) of irrigation and drinking water components of the project.

(c) Yes sir.

(d) & (e) The details of proposal received from State Governments including that from Madhya Pradesh and the follow up action taken by this Government are at Annexure III.