Irrigation sector seeks push for Lower Dudhna project

AURANGABAD: Expediting the work on right bank canal system of Lower Dudhna project and delineation of Jayakwadi project are some of the key demands that have come to the fore ahead of cabinet meeting in the city.
The concerned work of Lower Dudhna project has been awaiting government nod for revised administrative approval even if Gosikhurda project in Vidarbha got similar clearance within no time recently.
As per irrigation department officials, the cost of Lower Dudhna project has escalated to existing Rs 1,500 crore from earlier Rs 28 crore over a period of last three decades due to delay in getting necessary green-signal.
Activist Abhijit Dhanorkar said delay in necessary sanction for Lower Dudhna project was classic case of apathy on the part of the government towards Marathwada. "It is nothing but step-motherly treatment meted out to Marathwada. The Lower Dudhna project is scheduled to extend water benefits for Parbhani district and other parts of the region and it is an irony that it has been getting dragged for more than three decades now," he said.
The Lower Dudhna project, which was part of Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, has been also brought under the purview of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, a flagship water conservation programme of the Centre.
As the project has been included under central scheme, it has to be completed before March 2017 as per the stipulated deadline. Considering the delay associated with giving revised administrative approval for the project, it seems that the deadline would be missed.
Delineation of Jayakwadi project among other dams is among major demands raised by activists and experts. While none of the major irrigation project from Marathwada has witnessed delineation so far, the Bombay high court in its latest ruling pertaining to equitable water distribution has asked for carrying out the same.
As per experts, delineation of around 236 irrigation projects have taken place in Maharashtra so far with not a single irrigation project from Marathwada.
Advocate Pradeep Deshmukh of Marathawada Janata Vikas Parishad said Tuesday's state cabinet meet should resolve for completing pending irrigation projects in Marathwada over a maximum of next three years. "The pending work of Nandur-Madhmeshwar project should be completed by the government on a priority basis, besides expediting other affected projects. Funds worth around Rs 17,000 Crore are required for the same, which should be sanctioned during cabinet meet," he said.