Annexure-I.
India has a long history of human intervention in the management of waterfor agriculture, because of the country’s distinctive climate – intense monsoons followed by protracted droughts. The water harvesting structurescalled “tanks” (earthen bunded small storage reservoirs formed in the naturaldepressions of the land), indigenously designed by our ancient native rulersand chieftains over the past several centuries with the substantial storagecapacity. As the tanks are formed as chains akin to cascades, our tanksystem has proved to be superior because of the synergized hydrologicefficiency of the linkage between the tanks. As one of the still surviving,man-made and large common property resources of the society, theyconstitute a basic life support system in the most parts of India. Suchmarvelous and widespread life supporting traditional tank systems are gettingdeteriorated in the recent past due to poor maintenance and lack of interestamong the users.
Relative importance of some of these Water Bodies has waned due to anumber of reasons:
• Shifting away from community based tank system to individual beneficiary oriented ground water dependent system
• Prolonged and continuous neglect of maintenance
• Heavy silting of the tank bed,
• Choked up feeder channels,
• Leaking and weak bund, leaky sluices and dilapidated surplus weirs and ill maintained distribution channels
• Encroachments in the tank bund, foreshore, water-spread and supply channels
• Deforestation and denudation in the catchments areas leading to extinction of water bodies as a whole for housing and urbanization
• Indiscriminate use of tank beds as dumping yards
All these have also contributed to deterioration of the water bodies as a whole.
To revive, restore and rehabilitate the traditional water bodies, TheGovernment of India has launched a Scheme for Repair, Renovation andRestoration (RRR) of water bodies which has multiple objectives likeComprehensive improvement and restoration of water bodies thereby increasingtank storage capacity, Ground Water Recharge, Increased availability of drinkingwater, Improvement in agriculture/horticulture productivity, Improvement of catchment areas of tank commands, Environmental benefits through improvedwater use efficiency; by promotion of conjunctive use of surface and groundwater, Community participation and self-supporting system for sustainablemanagement for each water body, Capacity Building of communities, in betterwater management and Development of tourism, cultural activities, etc. byproviding Central Grant to State Governments under a Pilot Scheme directlylinked to agriculture during the remaining period of Xth Five Year Plan in January2005. It was visualized that this programme will go in a long way in enhancingwater availability in different parts of the country. For preservation and protectionof water bodies, Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) has also issuedAdvisory which has been sent to all the State Governments for protection ofurban water bodies.
1. PILOT SCHEME:
The scheme, in state sector, had an outlay of Rs. 300 crorewith 75% Central Assistance by Government of India and 25% by StateGovernment. The objective of the pilot scheme on water bodies was to restoreand augment storage capacities of water bodies and to recover and extendtheir lost irrigation potential. The water bodies having original irrigationculturable command of 40 hectare to 2000 hectare were eligible for fundingunder the pilot scheme. A total of 1098 water bodies in 26 districts of 15 stateswere taken up under Pilot Scheme for which central share of Rs. 197.30 crorewas released up to March, 2008. The work in respect of 1085 water bodieswas completed. Respective State Govts dropped remaining 13 water bodies.An irrigation potential of 0.78 lakh ha was restored under the Pilot Scheme.State-wise water bodies taken up, central assistance released and completedwater bodies under pilot scheme are enclosed at
Annexure-II.
Independent evaluation of the Pilot Scheme was undertaken by variousorganizations, viz., Water Technology Centre for Eastern Region,Bhubaneswar, Water & Land Management & Training and Research Institute(WALAMTARI), Hyderabad; Centre for Water Resources Development andManagement (CWRDM), Kerala; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,Coimbatore and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad. Finalreports received from Water Technology Centre (WTC), Bhubaneswar andCentre for Water Resources Development & Management (CWRDM), Kerala;Water & Land Management & Training and Research Institute (WALAMTARI), Hyderabad; and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad. Thesereports have shown that the scheme has resulted in many positive outcomeslike increase in storage capacity, increased utilization of water for irrigation,benefits of the scheme percolating to SC/ST families etc.
2. XI PLAN:
Based on success of the pilot scheme, Two schemes of RRR, onewith domestic support with an outlay of Rs. 1250 crore and other with externalassistance with an outlay of Rs. 1500 crore were launched during XIth Plan.
The objectives of both the schemes covered mainly
a) Improvement of catchment areas of water bodies,
b) Command area development,
c) Increase in the capacity of the water body,
d) Ground water recharge,
e) Improvement in agriculture / horticulture productivity,
f) Development of tourism, cultural activities
g) Increased availability of drinking water.
i) Scheme with External Assistance:
Under the scheme with loan assistancefrom the World Bank, GoI takes 25% of the World Bank loan and passes it tothe State Government as Central Assistance and 75% of the loan istransferred to the State Government on back to back basis to meet the Stateshare. Under this scheme, the States were allowed to take up the repair,renovation and restoration of water bodies having a minimum of 20 hectareoriginal irrigation culturable command area and upto a maximum of 2000hectare. The objectives of the scheme cover improvement of catchment areasof water bodies, command area development, increase in the capacity of thewater body, ground water recharge, improvement in agriculture / horticultureproductivity, development of tourism, cultural activities and increasedavailability of drinking water. The scheme was carried out with assistance fromWorld Bank. The appraisal process was coordinated by the Department ofEconomic Affairs.
The World Bank Loan Agreement was signed with Tamil Nadu for US $ 485Million to restore 5763 water bodies having a CCA of 4 lakh hectares. LoanAgreement with the World Bank was signed with Andhra Pradesh for US $ 189 Million for restoration of 3000 water bodies with a CCA of 2.5 lakh hectares.Loan agreement with the World Bank was signed with Karnataka forrestoration of 1224 water bodies having a CCA of 0.52 lakh hectare forassistance of Rs. 268.80 crore and with Odisha for US $ 112 million for 900water bodies with CCA of 1.2 lakh ha. Thus a total of 10887 water bodies havebeen taken for restoration under external assistance. The detail of waterbodies undertaken is enclosed at
Annexure-III.
The latest status of thescheme, as received from Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Financeis enclosed in
Annexure-IV.
ii) Scheme with Domestic Support:
Under the scheme of domestic support,Central assistance in the form of 90% of the cost of the project cleared by theTechnical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the State Government in case ofSpecial Category States, KBK (undivided) districts of Odisha and projectslocated in drought prone, tribal and naxal affected areas and 25% of cost ofthe Projects benefiting other areas of Non- Special Category States weregiven. A total of 3341 water bodies were taken up for restoration in 12 states.A total central grant amounting to Rs. 917.259 crore had been released to thestates for completion of works on these water bodies up to 31st March, 2015.Out of 3341, the works on 2222 water bodies have been completed and anirrigation potential of 1.133 lakh ha has been restored. Works on remaining1116 water bodies are undergoing. More information regarding completion ofthese water bodies is awaited from respective State Govts. To give impetus toearly completion of these water bodies, an amount of Rs 27.0 crore has beenreleased towards schemes of Odisha during 2014-15. However, no requestsfor release of fund have been received from other states for completion ofwater bodies undertaken during XI Plan. The scheme was monitored byCentral Ground Water Board (CGWB) and MoWR. The details of water bodieswith domestic support including grants released, completion, potential plannedetc is enclosed at
Annexure-V.
3. XII PLAN:
The scheme for Repair, Renovation & Restoration of Water Bodiescontinued during XII Plan and the scheme was approved by the UnionGovernment on 20.9.2013. Accordingly, Guidelines for the implementation ofthe scheme were issued in October, 2013.
The main objectives of the Scheme are:
(i) Comprehensive improvement and restoration of water bodies thereby increasing tank storage capacity
(ii) Ground Water Recharge
(iii) Increased availability of drinking water
(iv) Improvement in agriculture/horticulture productivity
(v) Improvement of catchment areas of tank commands
(vi) Environmental benefits through improved water use efficiency; bypromotion of conjunctive use of surface and ground water.
(vii) Community participation and self-supporting system for sustainablemanagement for each water body
(viii) Capacity Building of communities, in better water management, and
(ix) Development of tourism, cultural activities, etc.
The planned outlay of the scheme is Rs 10,000 crore. The scheme isenvisaged to provide central assistance for restoration of about 10,000 waterbodies with an earmarked Central outlay of Rs. 6235 crore and respectiveState share of Rs 3765 crore for the scheme with likely restoration of 6.235lakh hectare. Out of 10000 water bodies, 9000 water bodies in rural areas and1000 water bodies in urban areas would be covered.
Eligibility:
Rural and Urban Public water bodies having minimum waterspread area of 5 hectare and from 2.0 hectare to 10 hectare respectively withB.C. ratio of more than 1.0 will be considered for funding during XII Plan. Allwater bodies included in the project will be given a Unique Code Number.However, it is envisaged to converge all RRR projects with Integrated WaterManagement Programme (IWMP) in such a way that the treatment ofcatchment of water bodies to be restored happens pari-passu with the repairand renovation of water bodies.
In this regard, only those proposals of water bodies where the Integrated Water Management Programme (IWMP) is implemented would be considered for inclusion under the scheme of RRR of water bodies. Further, State Government is to take necessary steps for declaring the water body boundary through a Government order and to ensureremoval of encroachments in the water body spread area/water body boundary before submitting the proposal for release of 2nd installment of grant for completion of work on the water body under RRR. Priority will be given to water bodies in villages covered under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
Funding Pattern:
The central assistance is provided in the form of grantwhich is 90% of the project cost only in special category states (NE states,Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttrakhand and undivided KBK districts of Odisha) aswell as projects lying in drought prone area, tribal area, desert prone area andnaxal affected areas. In case of non-special category states/areas, the grantwill be 25% of the project cost.
Implementation of Scheme:
The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of waterbodies would be prepared and works would be implemented by Water Users’Association (WUA) / Local Panchayat / A government agency identified by theDistrict Level Implementing Agency (DLIA). The implementation plan of theproject will be placed before the Gram Sabha and its Cooperation will besolicited by timely completion of the project. The WUA would also earnrevenues by charging for its services from its members and build up a corpusfor maintaining and managing the water bodies over time. The Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) may also play a role in implementation,planning and execution of the scheme subject to State Government’s decision.Further, for better synergy with other irrigation works, CWC Field Unit hasbeen assigned to examine/scrutinize the proposals of water bodies submittedby State Govts.
Monitoring:
State Government will be responsible to plan various activitiesenvisaged under the scheme, monitor their implementation along with qualityof works as per the relevant BIS, provide guidelines to District LevelImplementation and Monitoring Committee (DLI&MC) and ensure coordinationamong all concerned departments/agencies at the State level. Monitoringwould be done with the association of the Co-ordination Cell of the State Govt.and standing committee of the Panchayat at the appropriate level which willinclude maintaining of both physical and financial Progress as well as theoutcome. The water bodies under RRR would also be monitored periodicallyon sample basis by Field Office of Central Water Commission (CWC).Concurrent evaluation is to be done by the State Government themselves byinvolving independent agencies which may include IIMs and IITs. Impact assessment of the scheme will be done after completion of the scheme by CWC/MoWR, RD & GR.
Present Status:
The Empowered Committee of MoWR, RD & GR,constituted for approval and inclusion of project under Scheme of RRR of waterbodies, has approved 1057 water bodies of 8 states at an estimated cost of Rs.830.6659 crore for inclusion under RRR till date. The details of these waterbodies are at
Annexure-VI.
A total grant amounting to Rs. 103.49 crore hasbeen released to the states for taking up works on 898 water bodies in 4 statesnamely Odisha (760 water bodies), Meghalaya (9 water bodies), Manipur (4water bodies) and Madhya Pradesh (125 water bodies) under RRR during 2014-15. Apart from that, an amount of Rs 105.406 crore has been released towardscontinuing schemes of XI Plan during XII Plan. Total grants released during XIIPlan to State Govts are enclosed at
Annexure-VII.
Ann.-IV
Details of World Bank assisted Projects on Repair, Renovation and Restoration ofWater Bodies
Project 1: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State Community- Based Tank Management
In addition, the project
• primarily helps in modernizing these tank systems and improving irrigationefficiency,
• brings in agriculture technologies to improve agriculture productivity anddiversity,
• helps in establishing agri-business supply chain including fishery development,and
• undertakes extensive canal rehabilitation work
Key Project Dates:
Effectiveness Date: 27-Jul-2007
Original Closing Date: 31-Dec-2012
Revised Closing Date: 31-Jul-2016
Components:
• Institutional Strengthening:(Cost $16.40 Million)
• Minor Irrigation Systems Improvement:(Cost $150.60 Million)
• Agricultural Livelihoods Support Services:(Cost $25.20 Million)
• Project Management:(Cost $12.50 Million)
Progress Indicators
Project 2: Orissa Community Tank Management Project
Project Objectives:
The project seeks to enable selected tank based producers to improve agricultural productivity, and water user associations to manage tank systems effectively.
• The project will rehabilitate 324 tanks out of 4000 tanks in the state.
• The project has a strong livelihood component.
• Water User Groups are called Pani Panchayats, and 115 Tanks havealready been transferred to them.
• Extensive capacity building support is envisaged for Pani Panchayatmembers on operation and maintenance.
Key Project Dates
Effectiveness Date: 17-Mar-2009
Original Closing Date: 31-Aug-2014
Revised Closing Date: 30-Jun-2016
Project 3: Tamil Nadu Irrigation Agriculture Modernization Water-Bodies RestorationManagement Project
Key Project Dates
Effectiveness Date:09-Apr-2007
Original Closing Date:31-Mar-2013
Revised Closing Date:30-Jun-2015
Project 4: Karnataka Community- Based Tank Management Project (Closed)(Cr. No.36350 & 36351 and Ln.No.4872)
Project Components:
The project adopted a programmatic approach to community-based tank management achieved through the following three components:
Component 1: Establishing Enabling Environment for Tank System Development.
Establishing a conductive environment and institutional basis for community-based tank management; developing a decision support system for planning, operation & management; and strengthening project coordination and management at all levels.
Component 2: Strengthening Community Development.
Human and institutional resource development and strengthening of local institutions; preparation and implementation of safeguard action plans and gender action plans; and assistance for each tank system developed under the project.
Component 3: Undertaking Tank System Improvements.
This component includes (i) improving the operational performance of about 3925 tank systems through a menu of physical interventions identified and executed by local users and (ii) facilitating technical training and on-farm demonstrations in water management , agriculture and horticulture development, fisheries, forestry, and fodder production to help ensure that improved water storage and efficiency is translated into increased household incomes.