Having charted out a road map for early completion of 99 irrigation projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)-the Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the Centre has made an allocation of Rs860 crore for speedy execution of 23 projects in the State.
Of the 99 projects identified by the Centre, 23 projects (Priority-I) are expected to be completed by 2016-17, while and another 31 projects (Priority-II) are meant for execution by 2017-18. The remaining 45 projects (Priority-III) have been identified to be completed by December, 2019.
Seven identified projects in Maharashtra-Waghur, Bawanthadi (IS), lower Dudhna, Tillari, lower Wardha, lower Panzara and Nandur Madhmeshwar – have been listed among the priority-I category. The remainining 19 projects-Gosikhurd (NP), Upper Pen Ganga, Bemla, Tarali, Dhom Balaakwadi, Arjuna, Upper Kundalika, Aruna, Krishna Koyana lift, Gadnadi, Gongargaon, Sangola Branch Canal, Khadakpurna, Warna, Morna (Gureghar) lower Pedhi, Wang project, Naradave (Mahammadwadi) and (Kudali)-are in priority-III category.
An official release said that the Centre had approved Maharashtra’s request for sanction of loan for State share amounting to Rs10,711 crore and release of State share of Rs2099.47 crore during 2016-17 for their 23 projects and sent to the NABARAD.
On its part, NABARD has sanctioned Rs. 3274 crore for Irrigation projects under Centre’s PMKSY and AIBP Projects. While NABARD has sanctioned Rs. 1981 crore to Andhra Pradesh for Polavaram irrigation project, it has set aside Rs. 830 crore for projects in Maharashtra. It has sanctioned Rs. 463 crore as financial assistance for various irrigation projects in Gujarat.