The Central Water Commission (CWC) has released its Annual Report for 2018-19, presenting a comprehensive overview of its efforts and achievements in water resource management. This article delves into the key takeaways, highlighted data, implemented projects, budget allocation and utilization, as well as a critical analysis of the report.

Key Takeaways

The report for 2018-19 underscores significant achievements in design consultancy, river management, water planning, and training programs. Notable milestones include:

1. Design consultancy for 84 water resources projects across India and neighboring countries.
2. Hydrological observations at 954 sites nationwide.
3. Issuance of 6851 flood forecasts with a 94.80% accuracy rate.
4. Monitoring of 91 major reservoirs to optimize water utilization.
5. Accreditation of 11 water quality laboratories by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

Highlighted Data

The report presents crucial data on India’s water resources:

• Average annual rainfall (1951-2000): 1190 mm (4000 BCM)
• Annual rainfall (2018): 1074 mm
• Mean annual natural run-off: 1869 BCM
• Utilizable water: 1123 BCM
• Estimated utilizable surface water potential: 690 BCM
• Total replenishable groundwater resources (2013): 432 BCM
• Net groundwater availability (2013): 411 BCM
• Ultimate irrigation potential: 139.9 Mha

Projects Implemented

The CWC implemented various projects, including:

• Design consultancy for detailed designs and hydraulic structures.
• Technical assistance to the Royal Government of Bhutan for maintaining 32 hydro-meteorological sites.
• Techno-economic appraisal of 39 major and medium irrigation projects and flood control projects, with 24 projects accepted by the Technical Advisory Committee.
• Flood forecasting services at 249 stations across 19 major river basins.
• Monitoring of 47 irrigation projects under the general category and 199 projects receiving grants under PMKSY-AIBP.

Budget Allocation and Utilization

The budget allocation and utilization are detailed as follows:

• Central assistance disbursed under PMKSY-AIBP: Rs. 2849.07 Crore for 43 major and medium irrigation projects.
• Flood management program: Rs. 428.20 Crore released to states like Assam, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh.
• River Management Activities & Works related to Border Areas (RMBA): Rs. 256.48 Crore released for various activities including hydrological observations and flood forecasting.

Pros and Cons of the Report

Pros:

• Detailed and comprehensive data on water resources.
• Successful implementation and monitoring of numerous projects.
• Enhanced flood forecasting and water quality monitoring.

Cons:

• Delays in certain projects, affecting timely completion and benefits.
• Need for improved coordination and resource allocation for more efficient project execution.

Projects Delayed

The report mentions delays in projects under PMKSY-AIBP and flood management programs. These delays impact the timely completion and the anticipated benefits of the projects. Efforts are ongoing to expedite these projects, with targeted completion timelines extending to December 2019 for remaining priority projects.