Centre funds Gujarat irrigation schemes

Against the ceiling of Rs 1,000 crore, Rs 226.5 crore has been released as grant for the state for the year 2005-06, for irrigation schemes.

The loan portion of the central assistance is to be raised by the state government.

The irrigation component of Sardar Sarovar project has been receiving assitance under Accelerated Irrigation Benifits Programme (AIBP) since 1996-97 and Rs 4,302.75 crore has been provided as central loan grant.

Out of this, Rs 226.5 crore has been provided during 2005-06 as grant.

With the assistance provided so far, irrigation potential of Rs 320.651 thousand hectare has been created against the target potential creation of 1561.26 thousand hectare under AIBP, said prof. Saif-ud-din-Soz, Union minister of water resources.

He further said irrigation being the stste's subject, the irrigation project are planned formulated, executed and funded by the state governmentout of their own resources and as per their priorities.