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Maharashtra government to raise Rs 25,000 crore to complete pending irrigation projects

The state irrigation department has decided to raise Rs25,000-30,000 crore to complete the pending irrigation projects in Maharashtra. Currently, in the state budget, the department is allotted Rs7,200 crore against a requirement of Rs70,000 crore.

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The state irrigation department has decided to raise Rs25,000-30,000 crore to complete the pending irrigation projects in Maharashtra. Currently, in the state budget, the department is allotted Rs7,200 crore against a requirement of Rs70,000 crore.

How does the government plan to raise the money?
Irrigation minister Girish Mahajan told dna that he had a meeting with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the authority concerned. “We may raise the money by taking a loan from World Bank or from any international firm. The allocated amount — Rs7,200 crore — is grossly insufficient, we cannot do anything with it. Most of it goes into paying the interest on an earlier raised loan. Therefore, we need to take concrete measures that will bring as many acres of land under irrigation as possible,” Mahajan said.

What is its suggestion to farmers?
He added that they will encourage farmers to implement the drip irrigation method that will not only save water but also increase yield. “By using more water for crops, we are damaging the land. As a result, the yield is dwindling every year. The quality of drip irrigation crops is quite good. Farmers need to implement it in the larger interest of the state,” the minister said.

What about percentage of land irrigated?
Commenting on the percentage of land irrigated, he admitted that the government has not given the figure in the state economic survey report because there are different reports and statistics. “The agriculture department says one thing, the water resources another. We are collecting all these details and will arrive at a conclusion soon. The Dr Chitale committee had submitted a report, but it too has some details lacking. We will incorporate the same. It is difficult to say exactly how much land has come under irrigation. Last year, rains were good, so eight lakh hectares was irrigated. This year, because of drought the percentage will come down,” Mahajan added.

What's the opposition saying?
Congress leader and legislator Patanrao Kadam said the government had allotted the irrigation department less funds in budget. “Last year, the Congress-NCP government had given Rs13,000 crore for irrigation, but this year, it is only Rs7,200 crore. So, how will pending projects get completed?” Kadam asked.

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