NRSA assigned task of confirmation of irrigation potential created under AIBP in 53 selected Projects

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Chidambaram to visit Kerala and Maharashtra on Monday

New Delhi : February 6, 2009

The Union Home Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram will be visiting Kerala and Maharashtra on Monday. He will inaugurate a Coastal Police Station at Neendakara near Kollam in Kerala. Later, he will hold discussions with the Kerala Home Minister and senior State Government officers on security-related issues, particularly those specific to the State. In the evening, the Union Home Minister will have similar discussions with the Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior officers of the State Government in Mumbai.

OK/KS /spandey



Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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NRSA assigned task of confirmation of irrigation potential created under AIBP in 53 selected Projects

New Delhi : February 6, 2009

National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) has been assigned the task of confirmation of irrigation potential created under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) in respect of 53 selected projects in the country. Evaluation/Review of AIBP in the Ministry of Water Resources to assess broad physical status of the ongoing AIBP projects and take remedial measures for their timely completion is a continuous process. Implementation of AIBP has been reviewed with the representatives of the State Governments during May-July last year. The Planning Commission and Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation have carried out evaluation study of the programme.
Out of 257 major/medium irrigation projects supported under AIBP, 100 projects have been completed so far. 143 AIBP assisted projects are reported to be delayed beyond their scheduled completion time. Out of these 55 projects have been completed during the last three years with persistent efforts by the Ministry of Water Resources.
Apart from projects specific problems broadly, the delay in completion of the projects occur due to shortage of funds with the State Governments, land acquisition problems, resettlement and rehabilitation problems, contractual problems and unforeseen technical problems. Slow down also occur due to delay in mandatory/statutory clearances, delay in execution of the works, which is required to be carried out by the agencies other than project execution agency and legal issues.
The Budget allocation of Rs. 4300 crore has been made for AIBP for the year 2008-09. The Central Government has stepped up the outlay of central assistance under AIBP. The procedures for release of funds under AIBP have been simplified. Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors major/medium irrigation projects bi-annually by paying field visits and issues monitoring reports which inter-alia contains suggestions for timely completion of the projects from time to time to carry out corrective measures for timely completion of the projects.
257 projects have been funded under AIBP, out of which 42 projects have been completed on scheduled time, 72 projects are ongoing on scheduled time, and 143 projects are delayed beyond scheduled time. Out of 143 projects, 58 projects have been completed till date and remaining 85 projects are delayed.

SK/BS /spandey

PIB Kolkata