The 2011-12 Annual Report of the Central Water Commission (CWC) presents a comprehensive overview of India’s water resources, highlighting the organization’s significant achievements and challenges. The report underscores the crucial role of the CWC in the development, management, and conservation of water resources across the country. Key takeaways include the successful completion of various water resource projects, advancements in flood forecasting and management, and the ongoing efforts in hydrological data collection and analysis.

Highlighted Data:

1. Water Resources:

   • Average Annual Rainfall: 3989.25 BCM
   • Mean Annual Natural Run-Off: 1869 BCM
   • Utilisable Surface Water Potential: 690 BCM
   • Ground Water Resources for Irrigation: 369.6 BCM
   • Total Irrigation Potential: 140 M ha

2. Irrigation and Hydropower:

   • Ultimate Hydropower Potential: 84044 MW
   • Potential Developed by 31st March 2011: 38990.40 MW
   • Gross Irrigated Area: 86.4 M ha

3. Flood Management:

   • 5995 flood forecasts issued with 98.53% accuracy
   • Monitoring of 81 major reservoirs with a total live storage of 151.77 BCM

Projects Implemented:

1. Consultancy and Advisory Services:

   • Design consultancy for 100 water resources projects in India and neighboring countries (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal)
   • Techno-economic appraisal of various multi-purpose, irrigation, and flood control projects

2. Flood Management:

   • Installation of satellite-based telemetry systems at 205 stations
   • Examination and appraisal of 7 Flood Management Schemes/Master Plans

3. Water Planning:

   • Appraisal of 30 major irrigation projects
   • Monitoring of 151 projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)

Budget Allocation and Utilization:

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP):

   • Total grant released: ₹3703.438 crore
   • Cumulative Central Loan Assistance provided: ₹44647 crore to 293 projects

2. Flood Management Programme:

   • Central assistance approved: ₹8000 crore
   • Funds released to states for critical flood management works

Pros and Cons of the Report:

Pros:

• Comprehensive data collection and analysis across multiple domains of water resources
• Significant advancements in flood forecasting accuracy and implementation of telemetry systems
• Successful completion of several major projects contributing to national water security

Cons:

• Delays in the completion of some projects due to various administrative and technical challenges
• Underutilization of allocated funds in certain schemes, impacting the overall progress
• Need for better coordination between state and central agencies to ensure timely project execution

Projects Delayed:

The report mentions delays in the installation of satellite-based telemetry systems, with 17 stations’ work spilling over into the 12th plan period. Additionally, some irrigation projects under the AIBP experienced delays, affecting their targeted completion timelines.

The Central Water Commission has laid a solid foundation, but there is a need for continued investment in technology, capacity building, and inter-agency collaboration. Let’s work together to overcome the challenges and unlock the full potential of our water resources for future generations. Your support and proactive involvement can make a significant difference in achieving these goals.