Year-end review of the Ministry of Water Resources

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=34342 Full release is pasted below: YEAR END REVIEW 2007 M/o Water Resources The Ministry of Water Resources in the Government of India is responsible for laying down policy guidelines and programmes for the development and regulation of country's water resources. DEVELOPMENT SCHEME / PROJECTS (i) Interlinking of Rivers The Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Water Resources held here under the Chairmanship of Union Minister for Water Resources on 17th January 2007 on the 'Role and functions of National Water Development Agency (NWDA) to discuss the progress on Interlinking of Rivers programme and issues involved with it. The first meeting of the Steering Committee under the Chairpersonship of Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources was held here on 2nd February 2007 to review the progress of preparation of Detailed Project Report(DPR) of Ken-Betwa Link which has been taken up by NWDA after concurrence of concerned States. The 50th meeting of the Governing Body(GB) of NWDA was held here on 20th April, 2007. Secretary, Water Resources and Chairperson of the Governing Body presided over the meeting. The progress on the works related to ILR programme was reviewed. (ii) Ground Water Development & Management The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has explored high yielding aquifers in the states of Tamil Nadu (7 locations), Karnataka (10 locations), Kerala(4 locations), Orissa(11 locations), Andhra Pradesh(4 locations), Maharashtra(9 locations), Madhya Pradesh(2 locations), Himachal Pradesh(3 locations), Jammu & Kashmir(6 locations), Gujarat(4 locations), Bihar(3 locations) and West Bengal(3 locations) under its scientific exploratory drilling programme, based on hydro-geological studies and utilizing remote sensing and geophysical techniques As per the advice of Parliamentary Forum on Water Conservation and Management, practical demonstration of Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge of Groundwater was arranged at the\residence of Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, MP and Member , Convenor of the Parliamentary Forum at 78, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi. The occasion was graced by Shri Somnath Chatterjee, Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri K. Rahman, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Prof. Saif-ud-din Soz, Minister of Water Resources. A National Congress on Ground Water was organized here on 11th September 2007. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India and the valedictory session was chaired by the President of India, the Minister of Water Resources, Minister of State for Water Resources, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. M.S.Swaminathan, Member of Parliament and many other eminent personalities participated in the congress. The Ministry released 40 District Ground Water Information booklets during Water Year 2007 on different themes like Ground Water Scenario in farmers distress districts, Coastal areas, arsenic affected areas, overexploited areas etc. Mass Awareness Campaigns on various aspects of ground water management, protection and regulation were organized in 39 villages during the period. 32 Water management training Programmes, aimed at capacity building among the stakeholders in water sector were also organized during the period. A total of 10 Training courses dealing with various aspects of ground water development, management, protection and regulation were organized under the auspices of Rajiv Gandhi national Ground Water Training & Research Institute during the period. (iii) Institution of National Water Award and Bhoomijal Samvardhan Puraskars The National Water Award was given away to Hiware Bazar Panchayat, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra and Bhoomijal Samvardhan Puraskars were also given to fourteen awardees (8 NGOs, 5 Panchayats & 1 urban local body) by the President during the valedictory session of the National Congress on Ground Water held here on 11th September, 2007 for innovative practices of Ground Water Conservation and augmentation (iv) Centrally Sponsored Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme The Centrally Sponsored Command Area Development (CAD) Programme was started in the year 1974 on the recommendations of the National Irrigation Commission (1972) and a Committee of Ministers (1973) with the objective to bridge the gap between irrigation potential created and that utilised through micro level infrastructure development and efficient farm water management; to enhance agricultural production and productivity and to improve socio-economic conditions of the farmers. With effect from 1.4.2004 the Programme was restructured and renamed as "Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) Programme". Till now 315 projects with a CCA of 28.68 Mha. have been included under the programme. After deletion of 164 projects, clubbing of 23 projects into 8 projects and inclusion of some new projects, the programme is presently being implemented in 136 projects. Construction of field channels (which is the main activity under the Programme) has been completed in about 18.7 Mha till end of X Plan. From the inception of the Programme till December, 2007, an amount of Rs.3435 Crore has been released to the State Governments as Central Assistance under the Programme. (v) Programme for Assured Irrigation in Agrarian Distress Districts With a view to providing assured irrigation in 31 agrarian distress districts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra, 65 major and medium irrigation projects have been identified for funding under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme. So far 29 projects have been included in AIBP. An amount to tune of about of Rs. 1630 crore has so far been released during this calendar year for PM package projects. (vi) Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme(AIBP) was launched during 1996-97 to give loan assistance to the states to help them complete some of the incomplete major/medium irrigation projects which were in an advanced stage of completion and create additional irrigation potential in the country. The Surface Minor Irrigation Schemes of North-Eastern States, Hill States of Sikkim, Uttaranchal, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and KBK Districts of Orissa have also been provided Central Loan Assistance(CLA) under this programme since 1999-2000. Grant component has been introduced in the programme from April, 2004 like other Central sector schemes. A total of 232 major/medium irrigation projects and 6205 Surface minor irrigation schemes are receiving central assistance under the programme. The State Governments have been provided an amount of Rs.4857 crore as CLA/Grant during current year till date. Further release proposals amounting to Rs 1197.53 crore have been submitted to Ministry of Finance for release of central assistance. FLOOD MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME In principle' approval was accorded by the Cabinet on 2nd November 2007, to the scheme "Flood Management Programme"under state sector with an estimated cost of Rs. 8,000 crore during XI plan period (2007-12). Under the scheme, State Governments will be provided necessary assistance for taking up works for river management, flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development, flood proofing works and restoration of damaged flood management works in the critical reaches in the whole country. The scheme will also cover the remaining works recommended by Task Force on Flood Management/ Erosion Control- 2004 in Ganga Basin and Brahmaputra Basin. Under the scheme, the proposals received from the State Governments having all mandatory clearances will be considered for central assistance by a committee headed by Secretary (Finance), on the following approved funding pattern: For special category states: 90%(central) : 10% (State) For non-special category states: 75%(central) : 25% (State) For restoration of damaged works-(all states): 90%(central) : 10% (State) Brahmaputra Board has taken up following initiatives for Flood Management in North East Region:- - Avulsion of Brahmaputra at Hollla Hatighuli which has diverted the Lohit river to a great extent. - Anti-erosion measures to protect Kushlabil & Durgajan Village at Dimapur of river Dhansiri (S) 0 (Rs. 2.64 crore): Phase-1 & Ph II completed which has already shown positive results. - Protection of Majuli Island from Flood and Erosion - The model studies of the proposed protection works has been completed and report submitted for approval. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (i) Bangladesh : As per the Indo-Bangladesh Treaty-1996 on "Sharing of Ganga Waters at Farakka", the Joint Committee, constituted for monitoring the joint hydrological observations at Farakka and Hardinge Bridge ( Bangladesh ) met and finalized the Annual Report ,2007 in its 37th meeting held at Dhaka ( Bangladesh ) on 28th September, 2007 . Indian delegation was led by Shri S.P. Kakran, Commissioner ( Ganga ), Ministry of Water Resources A Secretary Level Meeting of Water Resources between India and Bangladesh was held at New Delhi on 7th and 8th August, 2007 to discuss the pending issues in water resources sector with Bangladesh. Indian side was led by Smt. Gauri Chatterji, Secretary(WR), Government of India and Bangladesh side was led by Mr. Syed Mohammed Zobaer, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The issues related to sharing of waters of common rivers, river banks protection works, dredging, minor lift irrigation and drinking water schemes along the common/border rivers were discussed in a cordial manner and there was a forward movement on all the issues. (ii) Nepal : An Expert Team headed by Addl. Secretary M/o Water Resources with Commissioner (Ganga), Chief Engineer(YBO), Chief Engineer (HP&I), CEA, Chief Engineer (UPID) and Director (N), MEA visited Naumure HE Project site in Nepal from 18-22 December, 2006 and held discussions with officials of Government of Nepal on modalities of field investigations and preparation of Detailed Project Report of Naumure H.E. Project A meeting of Committee on Public Investment Board (CPIB) was held in Ministry of Finance, chaired by Secretary (Expenditure) on 3rd September, 2007 for Revised Cost Estimate and Extension of tenure of the JPO-SKSKI, Nepal. The meeting was attended by senior officers of Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of Finance. In the meeting, issues related to Revised Cost Estimate for field investigations of Sapta Kosi Dam Project amounting to Rs.70.55 Cr. only and time frame upto 30th September, 2008 were discussed and approved. (iii) Japan : The first Asia-Pacific Water Summit held at Beppu, Oita (Japan) in first week of December, 2007 was attended by Hon'ble Minister of Water Resources, Government of India along with Commissioner (Ganga). On 2nd December, 2007, The Minister of Water Resources from Government of India attended 3rd meeting of Steering Committee of the First Asia Pacific Water Summit and exchanged views with other participants of the Steering Committee. The main thrust of the Summit was on the regional approach to safeguard against the Climate Change due to Global Warming in the Asia-pacific Region; for which various Scientific Organizations, lead banks and various NGOs pleaded to cooperate in undertaking the scientific studies required. The Minister for Water Resources, Government of India clarified in the Summit that Indian Institutes of Technology and Institutes of Hydrology are quite capable to undertake the requisite studies on Climate Change in the Himalayan region and these Institutes have already undertaken such studies. (iv) Combodia: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of water resources management was signed between the Government of India and the Government of Cambodia. (v) China : Chinese side has started providing hydrological information of one station (Tsada) from the monsoon of 2007 in pursuance of MoU for provision of hydrological information of one station in Tibet on river Sutlej which was signed on 11th April, 2005. The first meeting of the Joint Expert Level mechanism was held on 19-21 September, 2007 at Beijing wherein the issues related to bilateral cooperation on exchange of hydrological information between the two countries were discussed. The meeting was held in pursuance of the joint declaration issued during the visit of the President of the people's Republic of China to India from 20th to 23rd November, 2006 wherein it was agreed to set up an expert level mechanism to discus interaction and cooperation on provision of flood season hydrological data, emergency management and other issues regarding trans-border rivers as agreed between them. (vi) Pakistan : In respect of matters related to Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, the 106th tour of inspection and the 99th meeting, of the Permanent Indus Commission, were held in March '07 and June '07 respectively. In the 99th meeting, Pakistan's objections on Kishenganga and Uri-II projects were inter-alia discussed. Secretary Level talks under Composite Dialogue on the Tulbul Navigation Project was also held in August '07. Daily flow data of 280 hydrological sites of Indus basin rivers, was sent every month and flood warning communications was also sent to Pakistan during the period from 1st July to 10th October, 2007. In February '07, the Neutral expert delivered his decision in Baglihar matter and requisite follow-up action was taken.. E-GOVERNANCE APPLICATIONS With the view to strengthen the E-governance, the Ministry is implementing the Information Technology Strategic Plan under which the following achievements have been made:- (i) A new web-enabled software "Hydrological Observation Information System for Indus Basin"has been developed in ASP.NET and SQL Server to provide more flexibility in compilation and trend analysis of Data & generation of report etc. (ii) RTI-MIS is being operated for redressal of grievances . List of Nodal Officers have been fed in the RTI-MIS software. (iii) The bilingual website of the Ministry has been redesigned and is being regularly updated. (http://www.mowr.gov.in). (iv) LAN in Ministry of Water Resources has been Upgraded and expanded using latest switching methodology, latest types of cabling, wireless connectivity, in Ministry of Water Resources, Krishi Bhavan, Lok Nayak Bhavan, CGO Complex, Mohan Singh Palance Building. A total of 337 Nodes including 130 new nodes have been installed. (v) PCs & internet connection are made available at Section Officer level in Ministry of Water Resources. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT (MINOR IRRIGATION SECTOR) Repair, Renovation and Rehabilitation of Water Bodies The 'National Project for Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies directly linked to Agriculture' was sanctioned in January, 2005 with an estimated cost of Rs. 300 crore. The Scheme was approved for 26 district projects in 15 States, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Gujarat, Kerala and Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs. 299.92 crore and Central Share of Rs. 179.73 crore has been released to the states so far. These projects cover 1098 water bodies with total original Culturable Command Area (CCA) of 1.72 lakh hectares. After RRR works an additional irrigation potential of 0.78 lakh hectare is likely to be generated. The physical works for restoration have been completed in 736 water bodies in 11 states so far. The project for repair, renovation and restoration of water bodies is being expanded throughout the country with external assistance. The World Bank Loan Agreement has been signed with Tamil Nadu for Rs. 2182 crore to restore 5763 water bodies having a CCA of 4 lakh hectares, Andhra Pradesh for Rs. 835 crore for restoration of 3000 water bodies with a CCA of 2.5 lakh hectares, Karanataka Govt. for Rs. 259 crore. The projects in respect of Orissa and West Bengal are under appraisal. ARTIFICIAL RE-CHARGE OF GROUND WATER The scheme of the Ministry of Water Resources on "Artificial Recharge of Ground Water through Dugwells in Hard Rock Areas"in six States namely Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, was approved by the Union Cabinet on 15th November 2007 as announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech on 28th February .2007. The scheme has been approved for a total cost of Rs. 1871.10 crore with net cost of subsidy to Government in terms of civil works being Rs. 1499.27 crore. The scheme provides 100% subsidy to marginal and small farmers and 50% subsidy to other farmers. 4.45 million dug wells of beneficiary farmers are to be taken up for recharging Ground water. The concerned State Governments are being asked to take all necessary steps for implementation before the monsoon of 2008. CONSTITUTION OF NATIONAL WATER BOARD National Water Board constituted for discussing issues connected with the development of water resources of the country and implementation of National Water Policy had its meeting during the year. 12TH NATIONAL WATER CONVENTION 12th National Water Convention was organized by National Water Development Agency (NWDA) on behalf of Ministry of Water Resources, jointly with State Government of Puducherry at Puducherry from 1st of November, 2007 to 3rd of November, 2007 to deliberate upon several water related issues. The Union Minister of Water Resources Prof. Saifuddin Soz presided over the inaugural session and the Minister of State for Water Resources Sh. Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav delivered the valedictory address at the convention. RESEARCH SCHEMES AND STUDIES A number of research schemes and studies on various aspect of water resources including those related to water use efficiency and study to find reasons for gap in irrigation potential created and potential utilised are being implemented in the various organisations / educational and research institutes of Central and State Governments including NGOs with funding from the Ministry. INFORMATION, EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION (IEC) ACTIVITIES The Ministry of Water Resources celebrated World Water Day on 22nd March.2007 by holding a curtain raiser function which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The function was also graced by presence of Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister of Agriculture, Shri Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, the Minister for Rural Development and Ms. Meira Kumar, The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. To create awareness and to bring various issues relating to water including its judicious use and conservation, the year 2007 was declared as Water Year. During the year, a number of mass awareness activities and technical deliberations have been organized. An Electronic media and Print media campaign was initiated during the year. The Ministry participated in the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2007 by raising a pavilion to educate people on the diverse nature of work being performed by various organizations under the Ministry on different aspects of water resources conservation and management. The pavilion was adjudged as the best pavilion and was conferred gold medal by Indian Trade Promotion Organisation in the category of Central Govt. Pavilions. 5 lakh Meghdoot Post Cards were got printed by the Ministry on the occasion of Water Year-2007 conveying the messages of Rain Water Harvesting and Recharge of Ground Water. A commemorative postage stamp on Water Year ,2007 was released by the Union Minister for Communication and Information Technology in the presence of Union Minister for Water Resources at a function organized by the Ministry on 28th December.2007. The Ministry's proposal for a 'Tableau' in the Republic Day Parade , 2008 on the theme of Water Conservation and Management has been accepted by the Ministry of Defence.