Question : MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES

(a) whether minor irrigation schemes have been effective in the expansion of irrigation facilities in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the amount allocated the minor irrigation schemes during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(d) the number of minor irrigation schemes granted approval during the current Five Year Plan; and

(e) the time by which these are likely to be completed?

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 Lok Sabha Starred Question No.139 due for reply on 22.3.2012 regarding “Minor Irrigation Schemes”.

(a) Yes, Madam. Minor Irrigation Schemes are also effective in the expansion of the irrigation facilities in the country where irrigation from major and medium irrigation projects is not feasible, particularly in the Special category States i.e. North-Eastern Region, Hilly states namely Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and undivided Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi i.e. KBK districts of Odisha and projects in the non-Special category States benefiting tribal areas and drought prone areas.

(b) Creation of minor irrigation potential during the first three years of XI Plan is 2.707 million hectare which is 0.902 million hectare per year on average whereas during X Plan, this figure was 0.64 million hectare per year annually on average.

(c) The state-wise details of approved outlay for the Minor Irrigation Schemes during the last three years and the current year are given in Annexure-I.

(d) & (e) Minor irrigation schemes are planned, investigated and implemented by state Governments themselves as per their priority and data in this regard is also maintained by them only. However, a total number of 7144 Surface Minor Irrigation Schemes have been taken up under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) during the current Five Year Plan upto 22.3.2012. State Governments have reported that out of this, 3176 MI schemes have been completed and remaining 3968 MI schemes are targeted to be completed with in two years excluding year of inclusion under AIBP. The state-wise details of surface Minor Irrigation Schemes taken up and completed under AIBP during current Five Year Plan upto 16.3.2012 are given in Annexure-II.