The Central Water Commission (CWC) Annual Report for 2019-20 provides a comprehensive overview of India’s water resources management and development. This report highlights the initiatives, achievements, and challenges faced by the CWC during the year, reflecting its commitment to ensuring sustainable water resources for the nation. Here, we delve into the key takeaways, data highlights, implemented projects, budget allocations, and a critical analysis of the report’s strengths and weaknesses.

Key Takeaways

1. Design Consultancy and Technical Assistance: CWC provided design consultancy for 94 water resources development projects, including those in Bhutan and Nepal. This includes detailed designs and drawings for various hydraulic structures.

2. Flood Management and Forecasting: The CWC established 76 new flood forecasting stations, issued 9754 flood forecasts during the monsoon period, and accredited 12 Water Quality Laboratories for chemical testing.

3. Project Approvals and Monitoring: The Technical Advisory Committee accepted 13 projects, including major, medium irrigation, and flood control projects. The CWC monitored 47 irrigation projects and processed proposals for releasing funds amounting to Rs. 1351.14 crore under the PMKSY-AIBP program.

4. Training Programs: The National Water Academy conducted 29 training programs, enhancing skills in the water resources sector.

Data Highlights

• Geographical and Hydrological Data:

  • Geographical Area: 328.7 M ha
  • Population (2011): 1210.19 million
  • Average Annual Rainfall: 1105 mm
  • Total Utilisable Water: 1122 BCM

• Irrigation and Water Storage:

  • Ultimate Irrigation Potential: 139.9 Mha
  • Storage Available from Completed Projects: 253 BCM
  • Additional Likely Live Storage from Projects Under Construction: 155 BCM

Implemented Projects

1. Har Khet Ko Pani Initiative: Rigorous monitoring and fund releases for 35 Major and Medium Irrigation Projects under PMKSY-AIBP.

2. Flood Management: Initiatives included the Flood Management Programme (FMP) with substantial funds allocated to various states and the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).

3. National Projects: Funding and monitoring of significant national projects like Gosikhurd, Shahpur Kandi, Teesta Barrage, and Indirasagar Polavaram Irrigation Project.

Budget Allocation and Utilisation

• PMKSY-AIBP: Rs. 1351.14 crore released for irrigation projects.
• Flood Management: Rs. 546.09 crore allocated across several states.
• RMBA Component: Rs. 69.61 crore released for various activities including hydrological observations and flood forecasting.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive coverage of water resource management activities.
• Effective flood forecasting and management.
• Significant progress in design consultancy and technical assistance for international projects.
• Enhanced training programs contributing to capacity building.

Cons:

• Delays in some projects leading to unmet targets.
• Challenges in the timely completion of national projects.
• Need for improved data accuracy and consistency in reporting.

I, believe the CWC has made commendable strides in water resources management, yet there is a critical need for addressing project delays and enhancing inter-agency coordination. The commitment to projects like “Har Khet Ko Pani” and flood management initiatives is laudable, but ensuring timely completion and consistent monitoring remains imperative. Moving forward, a more integrated approach involving all stakeholders will be crucial to achieving sustainable water resource management in India.

Let’s work together towards a future where every drop counts and every effort is made to preserve and manage our precious water resources effectively.