The Central Water Commission (CWC) has made significant strides in water resource management, flood forecasting, and project implementation during the fiscal year 2020-21. This report highlights crucial aspects such as water resource potential, project monitoring, and budget utilization, reflecting the ongoing efforts to manage and develop water resources across India.

Highlighted Data

1. Water Resources:

   • Average Annual Rainfall: 1105 mm (1985-2015)
   • Annual Rainfall in 2020: 1283 mm
   • Mean Annual Natural Run-Off: 1999.2 BCM
   • Total Utilisable Water: 1122 BCM

2. Irrigation and Storage:

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

3. Flood Management:

   • Flood Forecasting Stations: 328
   • Flood Forecasts Issued: 11,721

4. Water Quality:

   • Accredited Water Quality Laboratories: 3

Key Projects Implemented

1. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):

   • Projects Monitored: 53 out of 99 priority projects
   • Funds Released: Rs. 1510.04 Crore for 34 projects

2. Flood Management Programme (FMP):

   • Approved Schemes: 522 (415 completed, 64 foreclosed/dropped, 43 ongoing)
   • Central Assistance Released: Rs. 6447.83 Crore

3. National Projects:

   • Ongoing Projects: Gosikhurd Project (Maharashtra), Shahpur Kandi (Punjab), Teesta Barrage (West Bengal), Saryu Nahar Pariyojana (Uttar Pradesh), Indirasagar Polavaram (Andhra Pradesh)
   • Funds Released: Rs. 3535.927 Crore (Gosikhurd), Rs. 233.506 Crore (Shahpur Kandi)

Budget Allocation and Utilization

• Total Budget Allocated: Rs. 1,510.04 Crore for major and medium irrigation projects under PMKSY-AIBP.
• Utilization: Funds were allocated for 34 projects, with a rigorous monitoring mechanism in place to ensure effective utilization.

Pros and Cons of the Report

Pros:

• Comprehensive detailing of water resource potential and irrigation projects.
• Effective flood management and forecasting mechanisms.
• Robust monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects.
• Accreditation of water quality laboratories ensuring high standards.

Cons:

• Some projects, such as the Noa Dihing and Kulsi Dam projects, face delays due to ownership and funding issues.
• The need for enhanced inter-state coordination for projects like the Ken-Betwa link.

Delayed Projects

• Noa Dihing Project: Ownership and funding issues are yet to be resolved.
• Kulsi Dam Project: Requires an agreement between Assam and Meghalaya for ownership and funding.