The 2016-17 Annual Report of the Central Water Commission (CWC) provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s activities, achievements, and challenges in the field of water resources management in India. The report covers various aspects, including water resource development, river management, project implementation, and financial allocations.

Key Takeaways

1. Water Resources Data

   • Geographical Area: 328.7 Mha
   • Population (2011): 1210.19 Million
   • Average Annual Rainfall: 4000 BCM
   • Annual Rainfall (2016): 3560 BCM
   • Mean Annual Natural Run-Off: 1869 BCM
   • Estimated Utilizable Surface Water Potential: 690 BCM

2. Project Implementation

   • Design Consultancy: Provided for 61 water resources development projects in India and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Nepal.
   • Techno-economic Appraisal: 40 projects, including 19 major & medium irrigation projects, 1 drinking water project, and 20 flood control projects, were accepted.
   • Monitoring: 47 irrigation projects under General Category and 149 irrigation projects (including ERM projects) received grants under AIBP.
   • Flood Forecasting Service: 6239 flood forecasts issued with 95.34% accuracy during the monsoon period of 2016.

3. Financial Allocations and Utilization

   • Funds Released: Rs. 3308 crore under PMKSY-AIBP programme for 69 major and medium irrigation projects.
   • Storage Monitoring: Storage position of 91 reservoirs with a total live storage of about 157.8 BCM monitored on a weekly basis.

4. Projects and Programs

   • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): 99 priority projects identified for early completion. 21 projects planned for completion by June 2017.
   • Flood Management Programme (FMP): Central assistance provided to State Governments for flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development, flood proofing, and more.
   • Development of Water Resources Information System (DWRIS): Collaborative effort with ISRO to develop and maintain a standardized national water information system.

Projects Delayed

The report indicates that out of the 149 ongoing projects under AIBP, only 21 were planned for completion by June 2017, implying potential delays in the remaining projects. Additionally, the modernization and renovation works at the CWC Headquarters were also mentioned to be in various stages of completion.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive monitoring and technical support for water resource projects.
• Effective flood forecasting and management services.
• Successful design consultancy and project appraisal leading to the acceptance of multiple projects.
• Development of national water information systems in collaboration with ISRO.

Cons:

• Delays in the completion of several priority projects.
• Challenges in the modernization and renovation works at the headquarters.
• The need for improved efficiency in project implementation and fund utilization.