Maharashtra CAG 12 Facts Irrigation Projects Cost overrun Rs 47,427.10 crore

Maharashtra CAG 12 Facts Irrigation Projects Cost overrun Rs 47,427.10 crore

CAG report was tabled in the Maharashtra legislature today.

CAG's "Present performance audit on Management of Irrigation Projects" covering a period 2007-13 was tabled in the state legislature.

As per CAG report

1-

Of the 601 ongoing projects, 225 projects were under execution for more than 15 years

2-

Of the 601 ongoing projects, 77 projects were under execution for more than 30 years.

3-

In the test-checked projects, 16 projects were under execution for more than 30 years.

4-

601 ongoing projects, there was a cost overrun of Rs 47,427.10 crore in 363 ongoing projects

5-

601 ongoing projects, in 83 out of 87 test-checked projects, the cost overrun was to the extent of Rs 12,807.64 crore

6-

In 37 out of 87 test-checked projects on which an expenditure of Rs 9,078.58 crore had been incurred, complete land (forest and civil) was not acquired before commencement of work thereby depriving the users of the benefits of the projects

7-

Estimates for irrigation projects were prepared without proper survey of dam sites leading to changes in the original design after issue of work orders.

8-

In 15 out of 87 test-checked projects, improper survey before commencement of works resulted in an increase in cost of these projects by Rs 2,099 crore

9-

Three Irrigation Development Corporations granted administrative approvals to 63 projects amounting to Rs 2,467.94 crore in the non-backlog districts in violation of delegation of powers and the Governor's directives.

10-

The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority also failed to perform its role as a regulator as envisaged in the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2005

11-

The State Water Policy of 2003 envisaged formation of River Basin Agency for each river basin which was to have the responsibility and authority for preparation of integrated river basin plans. Based on the plans of respective River Basin Agencies, the state was to prepare a State Water Resource Plan.

However, the plan was not prepared for development and management of water resources in the state

12-

Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority cleared 189 projects during 2007-2013, though the State Water Resource Plan, based on which the projects were required to be cleared, was not prepared.

This is another example which clearly shows that India needs to reform the laws, rewrite the laws in open in consultation with citizens.

Reality views by sm –

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Tags – CAG Report Maharashtra Irrigation Department Scam