Rs 100 000 crores spent, but no additional benefits
There has been no addition to Canal Irrigated areas for 12 years
"In twelve years from 1991-92 to 2003-04 (the latest year for which figures are available), there is been absolutely no addition to net irrigated areas by canals as reported by Union Ministry of Agriculture, based on actual field data from states. In the period from April 1991 to March 2004, the country has spent Rs 99610 crores on Major and Medium Irrigation Projects with the objective of increasing canal irrigated areas. What the official data shows is that this whole expenditure has not lead to addition of a single ha in the net irrigated area in the country for the whole of this twelve year period. This should be cause of some very serious concerns and the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), the states and the Planning Commission will have to answer some difficult questions. "
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