Date:25/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/11/25/stories/2004112507400400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Parliamentary panel favours proactive CWC

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, NOV. 24. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources, formed for the first time in the country, wants a pro-active Central Water Commission so that clearances can be speedily obtained for irrigation projects.

The Committee felt that file disposal by the CWC was sluggish leading to delay in clearances to projects. Comprising 31 members, the panel will submit its report to Parliament during the next session, suggesting measures to overcome these difficulties.

The committee chairman, Rayapati Sambasiva Rao, convener, M. Jagannadh, and 10 members recently visited irrigation projects in Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The group had discussions with officials from the State today in light of the latest thrust given to irrigation.

Foremost problem

At a press conference later, they identified Central clearances as the foremost problem faced by the projects. Mr Sambasiva Rao suggested that States could set up their cells at Delhi as contemplated by Andhra Pradesh, to expedite the clearances. Another way out would be to set up regional CWC offices for simultaneous verifications/investigations.

They termed land acquisition as another main hurdle and proposed a separate Act for this purpose on the lines of the one enacted for National Highway Authority of India.

Mr Rao referred to Pulichintala whose execution was stayed by the High Court and said the deficiencies in this regard would also be highlighted by their report.

They contended that the High Court did not say "no" to the project but only wanted the clearance before grounding the work.

Two States lauded

They said they were satisfied with the functioning of water users' associations in Maharashtra and AP. "Each one is a symbol of our untiring and collective effort at harnessing the scare water.

A lot has been done but yet, much more needs to be done."

Y. Nagendranath, Krishna delta farmer, submitted a representation to the group seeking action to divert 200 tmcft of Krishna water to the delta. He said this much quantum was being wasted by Maharashtra now.