Question : INDIRA GANDHI AND SIDHMUKH CANAL

(a) whether the Indira Gandhi and Sidhmukh Canal irrigation projects cater to the irrigation requirements of a large part of Rajasthan;

(b) if so, whether water has not been released according to the accord signed between Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and the irrigation is adversely affected in Rajasthan due to receipt of inadequate share of water;

(c) if so, the details thereof especially in the case of Rajasthan; and

(d) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard so that Rajasthan gets adequate water as per its share?

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

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) As per Clause (iv) of the agreement dated 31st December 1981 between the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan on allocation of surplus waters of Ravi-Beas and implementation of Ravi Beas Link canal, the then Secretary(Irrigation),Government of India had decided on 15.01.1982 that 0.17 MAF of water shall be delivered to Rajasthan ex-Nangal via Bhakra Main Line(BML) for irrigating Nohar and Sidhmukh areas after the BML is restored to its original designed capacity of 12500 cusecs. Rajasthan is, at present, getting this quantity from Harike.

(c) As informed by Bhakra Beas Management Board(BBMB), water is supplied to Rajasthan as per decisions taken in the monthly Technical Committee meetings as per agreement/interim working arrangement agreed upon by the member states.

(d) Government of Rajasthan has filed a suit before the Hon’ble Supreme Court praying for transfer of control of headworks at Ropar,Harike and Ferozpur to BBMB, in compliance of the functions of BBMB stipulated under Punjab Re-organisation act,1966. The matter is sub-judice and therefore no action by the Government is possible.