CAG raps Maharashtra govt for performance lapses in irrigation sector

Observes that estimates of irrigation projects prepared without proper survey of dam sites

The Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) has castigated the Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra for the absence of long term plans, non-prioritisation of irrigation projects, delays in project completion and commencement of work without forest and environment clearances. CAG, which conducted performance audits of management of irrigation projects undertaken by the state Water Resources Department for 2000-01 and 2011-12, said estimates for irrigation projects were prepared without proper survey of dam sites leading to changes in the original design after issue of work orders. There was no well defined system of granting administrative approvals and revised administrative approvals to the irrigation projects by the irrigation development corporations.

 
As of June 2013, there were 601 ongoing irrigation projects being implemented by five irrigation development corporations. CAG report for the year 2014 was tabled in the state assembly today on the last day of the monsoon session.
 
The water resources department projected an irrigation potential creation of 6.61 million hectare as of June 2011 against which irrigation potential of 4.82 million hectare has been created through 3,712 completed/ongoing projects in the state. As against the irrigation potential of 4.82 million hectare created in the state sector, the irrigation potential utilised as on June 2012 was 3.25 million hectatre (67.36%).

 

However, CAG rapped the state government for expenditure of Rs 9,078.58 crore incurred in 37 out of 87 test checked projects without acquisition of complete land before commencement of works thereby depriving the users of the benefits of the projects. Three irrigation development corporations granted administrative approvals to 63 projects amounting to Rs 2.467.94 crore in the non backlog districts in violation of delegation of powers and the Governor's directives.
 
Moreover, of the 601 ongoing projects, 225 projects were under execution for more than 15 years of which, 77 projects were under execution for more than 30 years. In the test checked projects, 16 projects were under execution for more than 30 years. Further, of the 601 ongoing projects, there was a cost overrun of Rs 47,427.10 crore in 363 ongoing projects, while 83 out of 87 test checked projects, the cost overrun was to the extent of Rs 12,807.64 crore.

 
According to CAG, in 37 contracts, mobilisation advance of Rs 478.95 crore was paid to the contractors though the contract conditions did not provide for such advance.
 
CAG also rapped the state government for poor repairs and maintenance of dams and canals due to insufficient allocation of funds or delay in taking up repair works.