Irrigation projects receive government boost

In order to have speedy decisions for small scale irrigation projects, the state government has permitted the irrigation board to clear projects up to Rs 10,000 crore from the limit of Rs 2,000 crore. This will give a boost to the small projects pending for approvals and also decentralise the system for the approvals. The irrigation board is meant to take decisions regarding small projects of up to 250-hectare irrigation potential. The board was established in 2000 to promote water conservations works on smaller scale. But it had rights to approve only the projects upto Rs 2,000 crore. The Cabinet on Tuesday increased the amount to Rs 10,000 crore to accommodate more projects of water conservation. “The board at present has 4,793 schemes of which 1,103 have been completed. The 1,377 schemes are ongoing and the remaining have been put on hold. The schemes would take four years to be completed. Considering future cost escalation, the schemes need Rs 5,000 crore. Also, in the drought situations, the state needs to undertake water conservation works of Rs 5,000 crore. Therefore, it was decided to increase the funds for the board,” an official from the irrigation department said.

The state has been emphasising on Jalyukta Shivar scheme to help small irrigation projects and increase water reservoirs in drought-prone areas. The scheme has received a good response, claimed the government. It would help small irrigation projects to raise the irrigation potential of the state, which is low at present.