Mumbai, April 18 (NationPress) The government of Maharashtra has initiated a significant initiative aimed at eradicating drought in the state, necessitating a staggering Rs 2.56 lakh crore to finalize 225 irrigation projects. These projects are either pending from previous years or were initiated after July 2022, when Eknath Shinde took office as Chief Minister.

This information regarding the Irrigation Department's progress since July 2022 was shared during a state Cabinet meeting on April 7.

According to the data presented, the overall estimated cost for the approved 225 irrigation projects is Rs 4.35 lakh crore, which includes both previously sanctioned and recently approved projects. So far, Rs 1.78 lakh crore has been utilized, leaving a requirement of an additional Rs 2.56 lakh crore to finalize the projects.

“While the funds required may seem substantial, they also encompass costs related to newly sanctioned river-linking projects. This is not merely a revision of administrative approvals for ongoing projects,” stated an official from the state's Irrigation Department.

The state is currently engaged in the Wainganga–Nalganga and Damanganga–Vaitarna–Godavari river-linking projects, which are projected to collectively cost approximately Rs 1.15 lakh crore.

Despite inquiries, Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan did not provide comments regarding the funding needs for these projects.

Another official from the department highlighted that numerous projects have faced delays spanning decades, resulting in increased costs.

“Such escalations have been sanctioned during this period starting July 2022. Additional funding is essential, as initial estimates were based on costs at the time of project initiation. Delays have resulted in project cost increments,” the official added.

The Cabinet was informed that the total intended irrigation capacity from these projects is 33.44 lakh hectares, of which 13.72 lakh hectares have already been developed. Approximately 19.72 lakh hectares of irrigation capacity is still pending development.

In terms of water storage potential, the projects are estimated to hold 512 TMC of water, with 326 TMC already developed. The remaining 186 TMC of storage capacity is yet to be established.

The Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) has the highest investment in irrigation projects, featuring 88 initiatives costing Rs 2.77 lakh crore, with only 47 percent of the funds utilized so far.

Next, the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC) has 45 projects costing Rs 56,982 crore, with merely 15 percent of the budget spent.

In western Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (MKVDC) is managing 34 projects costing Rs 45,185 crore, of which only 37 percent has been expended.

In north Maharashtra, the Tapi Irrigation Development Corporation (TIDC) has allocated Rs 30,238 crore for 24 projects, with 30 percent of the budget utilized.

Finally, the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC) oversees 36 projects costing Rs 24,555 crore, of which 32 percent has been spent.