Irrigation Projects Spilling into Successive Five Year Plans Part I

Abstract

The report evaluates the progress and financial commitments of major and medium irrigation projects in India, noting cumulative expenditures of Rs. 1,32,390 crore by the end of the Eighth Plan and projected requirements of Rs. 1,36,133 crore for the Ninth Plan. Many projects initiated in earlier plans face significant delays due to funding shortages, land acquisition issues, and administrative bottlenecks. State-specific assessments highlight varying completion rates, with Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal showing substantial progress, while Bihar and Madhya Pradesh lag behind. The report emphasizes the role of the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) in accelerating project execution. Recommendations include prioritizing project completion, adopting sub-project strategies for extended timelines, stringent monitoring, and realigning funding based on regional needs and benefits to optimize irrigation potential and resource utilization across states.