Question : UTILISATION OF WATER FOR IRRIGATION

(a) whether the Government has evolved any mechanism for proper utilization of water for irrigation works from dams and reservoirs;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the reaction of the Government in this regard?

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

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. The Government launched Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in the year 1974-75 with the objective to utilize created irrigation potential thereby bridging the gap between irrigation potential created and that utilized through micro level infrastructure development for efficient water management and enhancement of agricultural production and productivity so as to improve socio-economic conditions of the farmers. The programme was implemented as State Sector Scheme during 2008-09 to 2011-12 of XI Plan. Under the programme, an area of 19.69 million hectare (Mha) has been covered since inception till March, 2011 and 0.457 Mha (tentative) has been covered during 2011-12. Since inception till March, 2012, total central assistance of Rs.5208.2275 crore has been released to States which includes Rs.485.732 crore released during 2011-12.

(c) The evaluation studies undertaken in the past have shown that there has been a positive impact of the programme such as better utilization of irrigation potential created, enhanced efficiency of water use, increase in irrigation intensity, improvement in the package of agricultural practices, equity in distribution of water, increase in agricultural production and productivity, increase in farmers’ income, controlling wasteful use of water and containing incidences of water logging & soil salinity. Keeping all above in view, the programme is to receive enhanced focus during XII Plan.