The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure today
approved the inclusion of Extension, Renovation & Modernization
(ERM) projects envisaging restoration of lost potential of 2 lakh ha. or
more under the category of National Projects. Under the scheme of
National Projects, such projects would become eligible for 90% funding
of the cost of works of the irrigation and drinking water components of
the project from the Central Government.
At present, the eligible ERM projects are provided central assistance
@25% of the cost ,of works for non special category States and @90% for
DPAP/Tribal/Flood prone areas and special category States under AIBP.
The cost of restoration of irrigation potential through ERM projects is
much less than that of creation of the same potential through new
projects. During the XII Plan, considerable emphasis is being laid on
improving the water use efficiency of irrigation projects. This is also
one of the five goals of the National Water Mission. It is therefore
proposed that for improvement in water use efficiency of the ongoing
approved irrigation projects, ERM projects which can restore lost
irrigation potential of 2 lakh ha. or more be included in the category
of National Projects.
The scheme will be funded out of the allocations for AIBP during the Xllth Plan.
No comments:
Post a Comment