This deals with the guidelines of the Central Water Commission (CWC) for project appraisal of irrigation, flood control and multi-purpose projects for both major and medium projects, with inter-state ramifications revised in 2002. Under the new procedure the concerned State Government, in the initial stage first submits preliminary report covering surveys and investigations, international and inter-state aspects, hydrology, irrigation planning, brief environmental aspects, intended benefits etc., which are obligatory to establish the soundness of the project proposal.
The project proposal is examined and if found acceptable, the CWC conveys ‘in principle’ consent for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Thereafter, DPR is prepared with up-to-date cost subsequent to which the Project Authorities start processing and obtaining necessary clearances of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in respect of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and forest area being diverted.
If Scheduled Tribe (ST) population is being diverted, the clearance of Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R & R) plans is to be obtained from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The DPR thus prepared is examined by CWC. In States where Central Design and Planning Organizations do not exist, the CWC checks the designs as well.
The CWC finalizes the benefit-cost ratio, internal rate of return and the State Government obtains concurrence of the State Finance Department for this finalized cost. The project proposal is thereafter put up to the Advisory Committee for clearance, which is, by and large, a single window clearance. The projects found acceptable by the Advisory Committee are recommended for investment clearance by the Planning Commission and for inclusion in the Five Year Plan/Annual Plan.
Download the guidelines here: