Central Water Commission

Broad norms set for discharge of important functions are as follows:

4.1 Appraisal of Projects

One of the important activities assigned to Central Water Commission is techno-economic appraisal of irrigation, flood control and multipurpose projects proposed by the State Governments. This task is performed and coordinated by the Project Appraisal Organisation (PAO). After establishment of techno-economic feasibility of the project, the Advisory Committee of Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) on Irrigation, Flood Control and Multipurpose Projects headed by the Secretary, Water Resources (WR) considers projects for acceptance and thereafter recommends the same for investment clearance to the Planning Commission. Besides these, the Hydro-power projects proposed by State Electricity Boards/Private Sector Organisations are also scrutinised in CWC from the view point of hydrology, civil design, inter-state issues and cost angles and for establishing water availability for cooling and other purposes in case of thermal projects. The Techno Economic clearance of these projects is accorded by Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Technical aspects of water supply schemes are also appraised when referred by the State Governments. A similar function is discharged by the Project Preparation Organisation (PPO) under a Chief Engineer in respect of Major, Medium Irrigation and Water Resources Consolidation/ Restructuring Projects, which are posed for external assistance.

4.1.1 In-Principle clearance for Preparation of DPR

The existing procedure for scrutiny and examination of irrigation and multipurpose projects by Central Water Commission and acceptance by the Planning Commission for inclusion in the State Development Plan has been revised and simplified. Now Preliminary Report, prepared in brief, covering basic planning aspects are examined first and ‘In Principle’ consent of CWC for DPR preparation is communicated on the basis of soundness of proposal.Clearances for Environment, R&R plans and concurrence of State Finance etc. are to be obtained and submitted later along with the DPR so that, once cleared by the Advisory Committee, the investment clearance of the Planning Commission would follow soon and the project can be started without waiting for different clearances from different sources.The revised two stage clearance procedure is applicable w.e.f. October 2001. If proposal received from the State Govt. is in order, “In Principle” clearance is accorded within a period of three months for preparation of DPR by the Sate Govt. otherwise, observation of CWC on various aspects are communicated to the project authorities for compliance.

4.1.2 Major Projects Major Irrigation Projects with Culturable Command Area (CCA) of more than 10,000 Hectare :

examined for various aspects in specialised Directorates in CWC and in the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, Environment & Forests and Tribal Affairs. For multipurpose projects, examination in Central Electricity Authority is also done for power component. In case DPR for major projects is received complete in all respect and requisite statuory clearances from MOEF, MoTA and relevant certificates, appraisal is completed within one year from the date of receipt of DPR in CWC. For the project proposals received with certificate from the State Central Design Organisation (CDO), appraisal is completed within six months from the date of receipt of DPR in CWC. However, clearance from CWC will depend upon the promptness of compliance of CWC’s observations by the Project Authorities.

4.1.3Medium Projects For Medium Irrigation Projects (CCA 2,000 to 10,000 Hectare):

State Governments are required to submit only a Performa Report to the Appraisal and Monitoring Units of the respective field units of CWC alogwith certificates from CDO in respect of Hydrology and design aspects, concurrence of State Finance and necessary clearances of MoEF and MoTA for R&R plans etc., wherever applicable. In case project proposal is received complete in all respect and requisite statuory clearances from MOEF, MoTA and relevant certificates, appraisal is completed within one year from the date of receipt in CWC. For the project proposals received with certificate from the CDO, appraisal is completed within six months from the date of receipt in CWC.

4.2Monitoring of Projects

A three-tier system of monitoring at Centre, State and Project level was introduced in 1975. The main objective of monitoring is to ensure the achievement of physical and financial targets for timely completion of projects, identification of the inputs required, analysis of the reasons for any shortfalls/bottlenecks and suggest remedial measures etc., with a view to complete them in a time bound manner and to achieve the targets of creation of irrigation potential. At Central level, this work was entrusted to CWC. As per the present arrangement, Inter-State, Externally Assisted and Centrally Sponsored projects are monitored by the Monitoring units at Headquarter and the other projects by various field units. During 2004-05, 135 projects were under monitoring in CWC (14 by Headquarters and 121 by field units). All the projects identified for monitoring are visited by CWC officers atleast once a year. Thereafter, based on field visit and discussions with the State Govt. Officials, a detailed status report is prepared highlighting various constraints impeding construction & suggestions for remedial measures etc. for attention of the State Govt. to expedite progress for early completion of the projects. The overall co-ordination regarding monitoring of projects is done by the PMO, CWC.

4.2.1AIBP Projects

Monitoring A special scheme named ‘Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)’ was launched in 1996-97, for providing central loan assistance to the States for accelerating the implementation of large irrigation and multipurpose projects. The loan assistance under this scheme is extended to selected irrigation projects in the country, with the objective to accelerate the implementation of those projects, which are beyond resource capability of the States or are in advanced stage of construction. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme is being implemented under the overall charge of MoWR with Central Water Commission having been assigned the responsibility to comprehensively monitor the projects receiving the CLA. Presently, there are 135 ongoing projects under AIBP (both Normal & Fast Track), which are getting the CLA and are being monitored by CWC Two visits are made annually and Monitoring Status Reports are issued in about one month’s time after receipt of complete data / information from the Project Authorities/ State Govt.

4.2.2 Vigorous Monitoring 30 Major pre-fifth / fifth Plan ongoing projects

were identified for completion by the end of X Plan and were put on vigorous monitoring by CWC field units requiring more than one visit in a year.The task of vigorous monitoring was assigned to the specific field officers of CWC to ensure their completion as stipulated. Out of these 30 projects, 4 projects were completed during 2003-04 and 3 projects were completed during 2004-05. Minimum two visits are made annually and Monitoring Status Reports are issued in about one month’s time after receipt of complete data / information from the Project Authorities/ State Govt.

4.2.3General Monitoring of on-going projects

Some of the important projects, which are not covered under AIBP or for vigorous monitoring are also being monitored by CWC. As per norms, these projects are visited annually and Monitoring Status Report are issued in about one month’s time after receipt of complete data/ information from the Project Authorities/ State Govt.

4.2.4 CAD monitoring

Centrally Sponsored CAD Programme was launched in the year 1974-75 on the recommendations of the Planning Commission to bridge the gap between the creation and utilization of irrigation potential to optimize productivity/production from irrigated land. Implementation and monitoring of the CAD programme was taken up by CAD Wing of Ministry of Water Resources starting initially with 60 projects. However, the number of projects later went upto 226. In May 1995, the then Hon'ble Minister of Water Resources decided that CWC should take up CAD monitoring and as a result, 22 projects which were otherwise being monitored by CWC under general monitoring, were also taken up for CAD monitoring. At the instance of MoWR, the number was further raised to 60 projects in the year 1999 and to 69 in the year 2002. CWC field monitoring units are doing the CAD monitoring also and monitoring reports are being sent to all concerned. Presently, MoWR has entrusted all the 133 projects under Restructured Command Area Development & Water Management Programme (CADWMP) to CWC for monitoring on half yearly basis. Two visits are done annually and the Monitoring Status Reports are issued in about one month’s time after receipt of complete data / information from the Project Authorities/ State Govts.

4.2.5 Preparation of Status Reports of Irrigation Development

The Project Monitoring Organisation prepares state-wise yearly status reports bringing out the irrigation development through Major and Medium projects in the state, which give an overview of the surface water resources of the state, ultimate irrigation potential, plan-wise irrigation development in terms of potential created/potential utilised & expenditure incurred, land use classification, projects benefiting drought prone and tribal areas, inter-state/externally aided/centrally aided projects in the state, major projects monitored by CWC along with critical issues requiring attention of the State Govts. and other related aspects. Status reports on Irrigation Development through Major & Medium Projects of various States are prepared on annual basis.

4.3 Inspection of Hydrological and Flood Forecasting Sites

The general norms for inspection of HO & FF sites by officers of the field units are as under-