Question : RENGALI IRRIGATION PROJECT

(a) the present status of the Rengali Irrigation Project, Orissa;

(b) whether construction of right and left bank canals of the project is getting delayed due to shortage of funds;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor and the time by which these canals are likely to be completed;

(d) whether all the villagers/villages affected due to construction of this project have not been rehabilitated/compensated so far;

(e) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to resettle these villagers/villages expeditiously?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SMT. BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)

(a) to (c) Union Government is not aware of any delay in construction of the project due to shortage of funds. An expenditure of Rs. 600.50 crore has been incurred upto March, 2000 against the latest estimated cost of Rs.1892.50 crore. As per the Draft Annual Plan Document of Orissa for 2000-2001, the physical progress achieved upto March, 2000 is as under:-
i) Barrage (named Samal) Completed
ii) Main canal & branches 68.50 KM
iii) Structures (main, branch and distrbutaries) 185 KM

(d) & (f) Yes, Sir. Being a state subject, rehabilitation and resettlement of people affected by the construction of dams is done by the concerned state government.