(a) whether the Government has undertaken a study regarding irrigation in backward districts
of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Bolangir district in Odisha falls under the category of backward irrigation district;
(d) if so, whether the Government has any plans to ensure that the backward irrigation districts get access to irrigation facilities; and
(e) the steps taken to ensure the same?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES & MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) & (b) No specific study regarding irrigation in backward districts of the country is undertaken by the Government. However, The irrigation projects including minor irrigation projects are undertaken by the respective State Governments as per their own priorities. With a view to encourage the completion of ongoing projects and help states in creation of irrigation potential, Government of India provides financial assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP).
(c) to (e) In 2006, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Bolangir district in Odisha, one of the countries’ 250 most backward districts. The Government of India has provided 90% grant through AIBP under tribal, backward and drought affected districts of the country for expeditious completion of irrigation projects in the country.