Question : Modernisation of Irrigation System

(a) whether the implementation of irrigation projects are facing hurdle due to procurement of land and land acquisition was turning out to be expensive for the Government for implementation of irrigation projects;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether the efficient distribution of available water with minimum losses is the prime factor in the modernisation and rehabilitation of the projects and the Government is planning to lay pipelines instead of constructing canals for supplying water;
(d) if so, the facts in this regard; and
(e) whether the Government is planning for modernising and improving the efficiency of the existing and ongoing irrigation systems in the country and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) & (b) Generally, irrigation projects face issues related to land acquisition (LA). Further, LA cost forms a sizeable part of overall cost of the project. As per MIS of PMKSY-AIBP, 14 projects out of 99 prioritised projects under PMKSY-AIBP are facing LA issues. However, concerned States take necessary action to resolve the same from time to time as the project progress.
(c) & (d) The efficient distribution of available water with minimum losses is the prime factor in the planning of irrigation projects including Extension Renovation and Modernization projects. Conveyance and application of water by traditional method of open canal network system often has inherent problem of low irrigation efficiency. Use of pressurized pipe system wherever feasible and micro irrigation in the command is encouraged to achieve maximum efficiency in water application. MoWR, RD & GR and Central Water Commission (CWC) has prepared guidelines for proper planning, design and implementation of Piped Irrigation Network and the same were circulated to States for reference during July, 2017.
Contd…P/2
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(e) 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).

During 2016-17, 99 ongoing Major/Medium Irrigation (MMI) projects (and 7 phases) under PMKSY-AIBP having ultimate potential of 76.03 lakh hectare and estimated cost of Rs. 77595 crore have been identified for completion in phases up to December, 2019 along with their Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) works.

Out of 99 prioritized projects under PMKSY-AIBP, 8 projects having target potential of 455.78 th ha are Extension, Renovation and Modernization (ERM) projects. Out of which AIBP works of 5 projects have been completed/ almost completed.
Further, the CADWM programme is being implemented pari-passu with AIBP works in respect of 99 prioritized projects to improve and maximize the potential utilization through these projects. Besides, the CADWM programme mandates to cover atleast 10% of the command under micro irrigation. Culturable command area of 12.26 L ha has been covered under CADWM programme in respect of these 99 prioritizes Projects.
Department of Agriculture, cooperation and Farmer Welfare (DoAC & FW) is implementing Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The PMKSY-PDMC mainly focuses on water use efficiency at farm level through precision/micro irrigation. An area of 31.70 LHa has been covered under PDMC since 2015-16 in various States.
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