NITI Aayog lays out detailed roadmap for the irrigation scheme

NEW DELHI: The NITI Aayog has laid out a detailed roadmap for the irrigation scheme’s implementation in mission mode, with emphasis on prioritising ongoing projects. The move will fast-track Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

“Project prioritisation forms the core of the road map. Projects sanctioned under all four components of PMKSY need to be taken up in such an order so those that can be completed in the shortest possible time with available funds are accorded the highest priority,” a report by the Aayog said.

The scheme has a `7,400-crore allocation for FY18. According to Aayog recommendations, command area development and water management (CAD&WM) projects already completed should be accorded first priority to harness potential.

Similarly, projects being taken up under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) must also include CAD&WM works in order to ensure irrigation potential created is utilised without any time lag.

“Based on the present status and cost-benefit analysis in terms of quick returns with wider coverage, it is proposed to implement the PMKSY projects (AIBP and CAD&WM components) in three phases. The 23 early bird projects under AIBP and 46 projects under CAD&WM are proposed for implementation in phase I for providing assured irrigation for 22.40 lakh hectare,” said the report.

PMKSY target
A total of 31 projects under AIBP along with CAD&WM are proposed for implementation in 2017-18 and another 45 projects for completion by December 2019.

A large area of 76.03 lakh hectare would get actual irrigation with the completion of these 99 prioritised projects. Further, it is proposed to provide irrigation coverage over 47.87 lakh hectare by December 2019 through completion of more projects.

Total gap between irrigation potential created and potential utilised is 15.69 million hectare (12.40 million hectare in major and medium irrigation sectors and 3.29 million in minor sector).

The Aayog has recommended that a scheme may be planned at ministry level in consultation with states/UTs to bridge this gap. Besides, the Aayog recommends more powers for the state-level sanctioning committee under PMKSY for projects under approved district irrigation plans.

PMKSY aims for early coverage of larger tracts under assured irrigation and more production per unit of water. The approved programme has four components — the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme, Har Khet Ko Pani, Per Drop More Crop and Watershed Development.