(a) the quantum of surface water wasted in the country due to leakage in irrigation canal system:
(b) whether the Government has formulated a policy for saving the loss of water due to leakages in canal systems;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the funds provided by the Government to States/ U.T. to plug this leakage?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a): The quantum of loss of water in irrigation canal system varies widely with the extent and
type of lining of canals, type of strata through which the canal system passes and status of
operation and maintenance of canals. The seepage losses in lined canal are in range of 0.13 to
0.298 Cumec per million square meter of wetted perimeter and that of unlined canal from 0.92 to
21.20 Cumec per million square meter of wetted perimeter.
(b) & (c): The policy for saving the loss of water due to leakages in the canal system is
covered under the National Water Policy 2002 which states that water resources should be
conserved and the availability augmented by maximizing retention, eliminating pollution and
minimizing losses. The National Water Mission under National Action Plan on Climate Change
has set a goal to increase water use efficiency in all sectors of water use by 20% by the
year 2017. This, inter-alia, would require controlling the loss of water due to canal
seepage. Various State Governments may address the specific problems of canal seepage
through Extension, Renovation and Modernisation (ERM) under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit
Programme (AIBP) and Correction of System Deficiencies upto Distributary network of 4.25 Cumec
capacity under Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme.
(d): The funds sanctioned/provided to States/UTs for ERM of Canals under AIBP and
Correction of System Deficiencies under CADWM Programme are Rs. 1241.98 crore and
Rs. 92.73 crore respectively.