Question : Irrigation Potential-Capacity

(a) the details of existing irrigation potential/capacity in each State/UT of the country at present;
(b) whether the Government is aware that there is a big gap between irrigation potential/capacity and its utilisation and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise along with the reasons therefor;
(c) the State/UT-wise details of proposals received to bridge the gap by enhancing irrigation potential/capacity during the last three years and the current year along with the action taken by the Government thereon by indicating the extent of increase in irrigation potential/ capacity as a result of the same;
(d) the quantum of funds allocated/ released/utilised for the purpose during the said period, State/UT-wise along with the steps taken/to be taken by the Government to enhance irrigation potential/capacity in each State/UT of the country;
(e) whether the Government proposes to declare some of the half completed dams/ projects as National Projects and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (PROF. SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a) & (b) : As per the NITI Aayog, the existing irrigation potential/capacity in each State/UT of the country upto XI Plan is at Annexure-I. The Major & Medium and Minor irrigation potential creation target during the XI Five Year Plan was 16 mha and revised in midterm appraisal to 9.5 mha. Anticipated gap between the potential creation and utilization at the end of the XI Plan is about 23.30 mha. A study has been conducted by IIM Lucknow on behalf of the NITI Aayog (Planning Commission) for identifying gap between irrigation potential created and utilization. According to IIM, AIBP assistance should be extended even for construction of Field Irrigation Canal networks. Land acquisition needs to be completed before the project proposals are approved under AIBP. Institutional reforms such as restructuring of irrigation agencies including WUAs, irrigation management transfer to the farmers and promotion of self-financing of irrigation schemes is also required.

(c) & (d): During XII Plan, 24 projects with Culturable Command Area (CCA) of 766.75 th. ha. have been included under Command Area Development and Water Management Programme to bridge the gap between irrigation potential created and utilized and Rs. 38.57 crore has already been released (Annexure - II).

(e): Projects are declared as a National Project after approval by High Powered Steering Committee as per norms set under the guidelines of the National Project. Presently, there are 16 such projects under National Project scheme of AIBP.
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