The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) today observed the Odisha government's target of providing 35% irrigation facilities was not achieved in 152 of the state's 314 blocks while supply of minimum drinking water was not assured in 95 urban local bodies.
"Audit notices that out of 105 Urban Local Bodies in 95 ULBs, supply of water was less than the mandated level (135 per person per day) and ten ULBs drew water beyond their mandated level," the CAG said in its economic sector report presented in the Odisha Assembly today.
The CAG's economic sector report covered four different departments - water resources, agriculture, forest and environment and works.
Stating that as per the State Water Policy - 2007, the state should provide adequate safe drinking water for people and livestock both in urban and rural areas, the CAG report said irrigation and multi-purpose projects should invariably include components for domestic use which should override the demands from other sectors.
Though the state decided in 2005-06 to draw master plans for each district to provide at least 35% irrigation in all 314 blocks during the plan period from 2005-2006 to 2009-10, the target was not met even after five years, the report said.
Out of 61.65 lakh hectares of cultivable land in 314 blocks, irrigation facilities were created for 30.89 lakh hectares, the CAG pointed out in its report adding 198 blocks had less than 35 per cent irrigation facilities in March 2005.
"During 2006-2012, the department could provide minimum 35% irrigation to 46 blocks and rest 152 blocks continue to remain with less than the minimum 35% irrigation facilities though identified before 2005-06," the report said.
The water resources department held by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik since 2000, however, told the CAG that efforts were on to augment irrigation potential in the deficit blocks through conventional and other sources of irrigation.
Similarly, the CAG also found that the water resources department failed to follow the Odisha Irrigation Act, 1959, and Odisha Irrigation Rules, 1961, which led to non-collection of water rates including energy compensation charges, penalty and others amounting to Rs 9,503.31 crore.
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