Nagpur: The state government has published two separate resolutions formally giving administrative approval for revised costs of two
irrigation projects underway in Vidarbha.
While the cost of Lower Wardha project has multiplied 75 times its original when conceived 38 years ago, that of Lower Pedhi has spiralled 10 times in the last 14 years.
For Lower Wardha project that is being built on Wardha river at Dhanodi in Arvi taluka, this is the fourth administrative approval for cost revision. The project, after latest revision, will cost Rs3,615.29 crore. When started in 1979-80, the initial cost was Rs48.08 crore.
Integrated with Pulgaon and Kharda barrages, Lower Wardha will be catering to irrigation needs of farmer suicide-hit Wardha district’s Arvi, Deoli, Wardha and Hinaganghat talukas. It will meet drinking water and industrial needs, besides facilitating fisheries.
“It’s good news for beneficiary farmers and those associated with the project. Now, we can complete it in little over a year,” said VIDC executive Director Avinash Surve . The project has potential to irrigate around 60,000 hectares.
Executive engineer Digamber Barapatre said 70% of the work is over. Works of around Rs900 crore remain to be done. “With this cost revision approval, we can complete the project fast,” he said.
The third cost revision at the prices prevailing in 2008-09 had escalated to Rs2,356.57 crore. The project has been included in the central government-sponsored accelerated irrigation projects and receiving funds from it. The GR specifies June 2019 for completion of command area development.
Significantly, Lower Wardha was included in November 2015 under Prime Minister’s Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) making it eligible for Central funds and given position of third in priority list for completion under the scheme. VIDC had referred the project for fourth revision approval of the state cabinet on January 31 this year.
The cabinet took it up for detailed deliberations on July 12 and approved the cost revision as per 2016-17 rate list of material. The new terms and conditions while giving fresh cost approval state that regional officials concerned will be accountable for irregularities. It also insists on use of solar power for running lift irrigations scheme in the project.
Lower Pedhi irrigation project is being built on Pedhi river in Amravati district’s Bhatkuli taluka. It is designed for irrigation potential of 16,000 hectares in Amravati and Akola districts, besides providing water for drinking and industrial use.
When initiated in 2004, its cost was estimated at Rs161 crore. On August 14, 2008 its first revision escalated the cost to Rs594.75 crore. VIDC referred it for second administrative revision of cost in January this year.
The state cabinet gave its nod on July 19 to meet hiked prices in land acquisition, changes in design, completion of surveys and incidental costs. The project work picked up after inclusion in PMKSY two years ago.
