Question : IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN BODOLAND TERRITORY

(a) whether the Government propose to provide the Funds from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool Resources to complete the Dhansri Irrigation Project in Darrang district and Champamati Irrigation Project in Bongaigaon district which were initiated more than 20 years ago, by way of converting these two Irrigation Projects under AIBP into 100% Centrally Funded Schemes within a timeframe;

(b) if so, the details of the action taken in this regard so far;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government have contemplated to provide required fund from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool Fund to create necessary Irrigation Infrastructure within the most backward and much neglected Bodoland Territory under 100% Centrally Funded Programmes/yojanas;

(e) if so, the details of the steps taken so far in this regard; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION ( SHRI ARUN SHOURIE )

(a) to (c): Dhansri and Champamati Irrigation Projects are covered under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) since 1996-97. Up to 2001-2002, an amount of Rs. 28.82 crores has been released to Dhansri Irrigation Project and Rs. 10.83 crores to Champamati Irrigation Projects as Central Loan Assistance (CLA) under AIBP. The CLA under AIBP to the North Eastern States and Sikkim is provided in the ratio of 3:1 between the Centre and the State. State Governments are elegible to avail 100% CLA under AIBP in case they sign an undertaking with the Government of India to recover full Operation and Maintenance cost of Irrigation Projects in five years by rationalizing the water rates. The Government of Assam has so far not signed the required undertaking with the Government of India for this purpose. These two Irrigation Projects have so far not been extended support under the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources.

(d) to (f): Irrigation is a State subject and development of irrigation facilities falling within the territory of the State is the responsibility of the concerned State Government. Government of India supplements the efforts of the State Governments in this behalf through Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in operation for this purpose and providing financial support under the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources specially designed for undertaking infrastructure development projects in the North East and Sikkim. No major/medium irrigation project in Assam has so far been supported under the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources. It is for the Government of Assam to formulate viable project proposals for development of irrigation facilities in Bodoland areas within the existing norms of the CSS/NLCPR for the purpose of availing the assistance.