Maha govt to come out with white paper on irrigation sector

The Maharashtra government would come out with a white-paper on irrigation ahead of the Winter Session of the Legislature, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday told the Legislative Council.

"Sunil Tatkare and Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar's (Krishna Valley) departments are working upon releasing the progressive figures behind the total irrigation sector in the state, which will contribute to the release of white-paper," Pawar said in a reply to a consolidated question raised by BJP's Pasha Patel, Nana Patole and Shiv Sena’s Ramdas Kadam.

Opposition Leader Vinod Tawade alleged that 12.47 lakh hectare land has not been irrigated at all.

To which Pawar said, "it was due to urbanisation and excessive use of water for domestic purpose, like drinking and sanitation."

Citing examples he said, "the water usage of Solapur has improved because of Uzani dam. Usage at dams in Pune has also risen. And even demand for water in Mumbai has increased tremendously. Also, the population is on a rise due to which water usage has increased in the state." Dissatisfied over the reply, Opposition legislators said the figures are botched up and the state of irrigation is "wretched", leading to uproarious scenes and adjournment of the House thrice.

Water Resource Minister Sunil Tatkare also said that in the last ten years Rs 42,533 crore have been spent for irrigation purposes.

Also, Rs 15,700 crore spent on Vidharbha, Rs 6,044 crore for Konkan and for rest of the state Rs 18,170 crore, he said.

The NCP Minister also said that for completion of dams in the state Rs 75,000 crore would be required.