Question : REVIEW OF AIBP NORMS

(a) whether the condition of availability of water and irrigation facilities in Desert Development Plan (DDP) areas are worse than Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government proposes to review norms of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) as per the recommendation of Task Force constituted by the Planning Commission;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the time by which the said norms are likely to be implemented?

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

(a): Yes Madam;

(b): The desert areas are characterized by perennial water shortages and the moisture availability index in case of desert areas is lower than DPAP areas.

(c) to (e) The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructures has approved 90% grant assistance under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme to the DDP areas of one ongoing and two new projects.