(a) whether several irrigation projects in the country are lying closed for want of proper maintenance;
(b) if so, the details along with the number of such irrigation projects, State-wise;
(c) the reasons for not carrying out proper maintenance of the said irrigation projects; and
(d) the details of the action taken against the persons responsible for not carrying out the proper maintenance of said closed irrigation projects?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI & SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)
(a) to (d) The Water Resources Projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priority. In order to supplement their efforts, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) etc. under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) as per the guidelines of such schemes.
In the recent past no information has been received from the State Governments regarding closure of any existing Major & Medium Irrigation project for want of maintenance.
However, during 2016-17, ninety nine (99) ongoing Major/Medium irrigation projects under AIBP, having potential of 76.03 lakh ha. have been identified in consultation with States, for completion in phases along with their Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) works under PMKSY-AIBP.
Seven prioritized projects out of above involve Extension Renovation and Modernization (ERM) works of canals. Since April, 2016, Central assistance (CA) of Rs.796.39 crore has been released for these projects and 1.14 lakh ha of potential has been created.
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