New Delhi (The Hawk): A sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration technology and controlled via Web/Mobile app installed at Sal River near Navelim and Nauta lake at Cortalim, Goa, has prevented wastage of water in the area and also made it easy for farmers to monitor the irrigation remotely.&nbsp;&nbsp;The moisture values are provided by the sensors starting the water motor only when there is an actual need of water and turning it off when moisture level reaches the maximum value. This process prevents water erosion and maintains the soil quality throughout the field. The system has saved time, especially for the daily wage farmers giving them freedom and flexibility to sell their harvest in the market. It has reduced their labour work and helped the farmers financially as well.The irrigation system was implemented by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Goa, and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the umbrella of Demand Driven Mission - Water Technology Initiative.It provides clean water to farmers for irrigation through River Bank Filtration (RBF) technology coupled with a sensor-controlled irrigation system, which is the first of its kind in the region. RBF operates by extracting water from wells located near rivers or lakes. As the river water infiltrates into and passes through the riverbed sediments, contaminants like bacteria and toxic metals are removed by overlapping biological, physical, and chemical processes. We installed affordable RBF wells for the treatment of polluted water from the Sal River near Navelim and Nauta lake at Cortalim, Goa, powered by renewable energy resources (solar-powered pumps) to provide clean water to farmers in off-the-grid areas. Water, with improved quality parameters such as reduced turbidity and bacterial load supplied through systematic pipeline system, helped farmers to obtain better crop production.The project presents a model of sustainability for educating farming communities with small landholdings which are unique to Goa. The technology of RBF offers an inexpensive means to remove large amounts of contaminants, including suspended particles and attenuation of microbes, and essentially provide improved water quality to the farmer’s community to fulfil their irrigation requirements. A dissemination workshop was also organized in which relevant stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and farmers were handed over the information and technology to the local ownership, and the initiative has opened up new collaborations for future developments.

A sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration technology and controlled via Web/Mobile app installed at Sal River near Navelim and Nauta lake at Cortalim, Goa, has prevented wastage of water in the area and also made it easy for farmers to monitor the irrigation remotely.  

Sensor-Based Irrigation System Using Bank Filtration Saves Water & Increases Farmer’s Income	

Coimbatore:&nbsp;Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday released water from Stanley reservoir at Mettur in nearby Salem district for Kuruvai crop cultivation in the Delta region of the state, for the first time in the month of May. The water thus released will benefit four lakh acres of agricultural land in Trichy, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Mayiladuthurai, Karur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukottai and Cuddalore. Normally, 406.99 tmc of water released on June 12, will be available for 230 days till January 28 benefitting Kuruvai, Samba and Thaladi, utilising 331.28 tmc from Stanley reservoir and 75.72 tmc with North East seasonal rains, benefitting over 17 lakh acres. In the last 90 years, water from the dam was released only 18 times on June 12, as there was no adequate storage in it in 60 years. Stalin opened the sluice gates on right bank and released 3,000 cubic feet initially, which will be increased in phases and reach Kallanai in Thanjavur district after three days, official sources said. The inflow to the reservoir till 8 am today was 10,508 cft and the storage level stood at 117.76 feet as against 120 feet.Ministers Durai Murugan and K N Nehru and senior officials, and farmer leaders were present.—PTI

 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday released water from Stanley reservoir at Mettur in nearby Salem district for Kuruvai crop cultivation in the Delta region of the state, for the first time in the month of May.

TN CM releases water from Mettur dam for irrigation

New Delhi (The Hawk): Today in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple irrigation, power, water supply, and urban infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 1,450 crore. Among these are the Kalavad Group Augmentation water supply scheme of Kalavad/Jamnagar Taluka. Morbi-Maliya-Jodiya group Augmentation water supply scheme, Lalpur Bypass junction flyover Bridge, Hapa Market Yard Railway Crossing, and Sewer Collection pipeline and pumping station refurbishment. The Prime Minister inaugurated package 7 of Saurashtra Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana Link 3 (from Und Dam to Sonmati Dam), package 5 of SAUNI Yojana Link 1 (from Und-1 dam to SANI Dam), and the 40 MW Solar PV project at Haripar.
In his address, the Prime Minister thanked the people for the warm reception and blessings they had bestowed upon him during his journey to the event. The Prime Minister congratulated the people on the inauguration and groundbreaking of eight water, electricity, and connectivity-related projects. He went on to say that the foundation has been laid for a community hall for the Valmiki community, which will be a great asset for organising cultural programmes and other events.
The Prime Minister recalled the devastation caused twenty years ago by the earthquake. The tragedy and destruction caused by the earthquake left the entire state in a state of despair. However, through self-assurance and perseverance, Gujarat ascended to the top of the nation, vanquishing despondency and destruction. The Prime Minister requested that the people of Jamnagar pay their respects at the Smriti Van in memory of the victims of the Kutch Earthquake. He stated that the memorial is comparable in grandeur and solemnity to the 9/11 or Hiroshima memorials.
The Prime Minister recalled Jamsaheb Maharaja Digvijay Singh and paid tribute to his kindness to the Polish people during the second world war. This established a long-lasting relationship with the Polish people, which was of great assistance during the evacuation of Indians from Ukraine during the ongoing crisis. "Somewhere behind the assistance of the Polish government, Maharaja Digvijay Singh's generosity has played a significant role," he said. He stated that it is our endeavour to bring Jamsaheb to new heights. The Prime Minister remarked that Jamnagar has also made significant contributions to cricket. In 2020, the Saurashtra Ranji cricket team brought the trophy back and made everyone proud.
The Prime Minister informed everyone that five development resolutions have provided Gujarat with a solid foundation. People's (Jan) Shakti is the first resolution, followed by Knowledge (Gyan) Shakti, Water (Jal) Shakti, Energy (Urja) Shakti, and Raksha Shakti. Shri Modi added, "Gujarat is reaching new heights based on these five solid foundations."
The Prime Minister noted that the young generation is fortunate in that they have not encountered the problems that existed in the region and state twenty to twenty-five years ago. From the days when a chief minister would come for the inauguration of a water tank to the present day, when projects worth more than the budget of the past are inaugurated in a single visit, a great deal has changed. He stated today that under the SAUNI plan, Maa Narmada is reaching every nook and cranny. In a similar manner, the Jal Jeevan Mission is bringing piped water to every home. He praised the Chief Minister for implementing the initiatives of the central government with diligence and swiftness.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the welfare of the poor is his government's top priority. He stated that the top priority during the pandemic was ensuring that no family went hungry. More than eighty crore people are receiving free rations to endure the pandemic without going hungry. The Prime Minister stated that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna has been extended until December of this year so that no poor family will have to sleep hungry during these difficult times. He also mentioned the benefits of the One Nation One Ration Card Scheme and emphasised that people from all over India who come to Jamnagar to earn a living can take advantage of it.
The Prime Minister stated, in reference to Jamnagar's oil refinery and oil-based economy, that every resident would be proud that crude oil is refined on this very land. Shri Modi stated that the dual-engine government of the Centre and the State has worked ceaselessly for the industrial and infrastructure development of the state. Shri Modi recalled a time when the city was clogged with traffic and stated that efforts are being made to increase connectivity by building planned roads, flyovers, and underpasses to improve the lives of the citizens. He added that the Amritsar-Bhatinda-Jamnagar Corridor is being constructed at a cost of Rs 26,000 crore. Jamnagar is becoming the centre of manufacturing and coast-driven growth. He stated that the Jamnagar-based WHO International Center for Traditional Medicine is a crown for Jamnagar Ayurvedic University, which has become a national university. According to the Prime Minister, Jamnagar is becoming a centre associated with auspicious objects such as bangles, sindoor, and bandhani, transforming into a "Saubhagya Nagar."
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his dedication to facilitating business. He discussed the reduction in regulatory burden. About 33,000 compliances and rules have been eliminated. Similarly, the decriminalisation of company laws benefits the business sector. He also discussed India's rise in various economic indices, particularly the Indian economy's rise to fifth place from tenth place in 2014. India rose from 142nd to 63rd in the ease of doing business in 20120, from 142nd in 2014. He praised the state government for implementing a forward-thinking Industrial policy. The Prime Minister praised the state government's efforts to remove encroachment and clean up the state's coastline. He stated that the Jamnagar Coastline offers ecotourism opportunities. It has an abundance of species.
In addition to noting the improvement in law and order in Gujarat, the Prime Minister stated that the Narendra-Bhupendra Government is implementing the development plan with diligence and speed.
In addition to others, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, and Members of Parliament, Shri C R Patil and Smt. Poonamben Madam, were present at the event.
In Jamnagar, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for projects totaling approximately Rs 1,450 billion. These projects pertain to irrigation, electricity, water distribution, and urban infrastructure.
The Prime Minister inaugurated package 7 of Saurashtra Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana Link 3 (from Und Dam to Sonmati Dam), package 5 of SAUNI Yojana Link 1 (from Und-1 dam to SANI Dam), and the 40 MW Solar PV project at Haripar.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the following projects: Kalavad Group Augmentation water supply scheme of Kalavad/Jamnagar Taluka Morbi-Maliya-Jodiya group Augmentation water supply scheme, Lalpur Bypass junction flyover Bridge, Hapa Market Yard Railway Crossing, and the rehabilitation of the Sewer Collection pipeline and pumping station.

Today in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple irrigation, power, water supply, and urban infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 1,450 crore. 

PM lays foundation stone & dedicates to nation multiple projects worth over Rs 1450 cr in Jamnagar

Chandigarh: While taking a significant step towards providing better irrigation facilities to the farmers of the Morni area of Panchkula district situated on the Shivalik mountain ranges, the Haryana government has decided to set up a major micro-irrigation project there, it was decided on Monday. The project, which would come up at a cost of Rs 20 crore, is expected to cover approximately 1,280 acres. A decision to this effect was taken in the High Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC) meeting held here under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Besides, purchases and contracts of more than Rs 87 crore were also approved at the meeting. The Chief Minister said the implementation of the Solar Powered Integrated Micro Irrigation Project for Tapariya, Kandaiwala, Kaimbwala, Kherwali Parwala and Lashkariwala villages in Morni would not only provide irrigation facilities but also help increasing agriculture produce. After the success of the pilot project, other similar projects will be set up at other places in the state, said the Chief Minister. At the meeting, the project for the revival of the Indori river from Bass Padamka to Siwari in Gurugram district was also approved. The project will cost about Rs 20.80 crore. Also an approval was accorded to a project of the Irrigation Department worth more than Rs 10 crore. Under this, V.R. bridges on the Lakhan Majra link drain will be reconstructed.—IANS

While taking a significant step towards providing better irrigation facilities to the farmers of the Morni area of Panchkula district

Haryana’s Morni To Have Micro-Irrigation Project

New Delhi: On Thursday, as the Yamuna overflowed its banks and caused havoc in the nation's capital, a regulator of the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department was damaged near the Indraprastha bus terminal and the WHO Building on Drain No 12.
The compromised regulator caused Yamuna water to flow back into the city, compounding the problems already being experienced by the population.
An immediate deployment of reinforcements was ordered by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, according to a statement.—Inputs from Agencies

On Thursday, as the Yamuna overflowed its banks and caused havoc in the nation's capital, a regulator of the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department was damaged near the Indraprastha bus terminal and the WHO Building on Drain No 12.

Irrigation department regulator suffers damage, Yamuna water flows back towards Delhi

Patna: Police in Bihar’s Jamui have registered an FIR against unknown persons for stealing boulders from an embankment of the Gamohar canal.
The incident came to light in the knowledge of the Minor Irrigation department on August 10 and its assistant engineer Dharmendra Kumar Bharti lodged a departmental complaint with Sikandra police station.
However, according to an official, the district police did not take the matter seriously till August 20.
When the matter came to the knowledge of District Magistrate Awanish Kumar Singh on August 23, he directed the police to investigate. Following that, ASI Yogendra Kumar Yadav reached Kumar village and found big stones were being stolen in broad daylight using earth mover machines, tractors and trucks.
Police suspected that the strongmen of Kumar village were involved in stealing the big stones having a current market price of more than Rs 30 lakh. Such an incident was taking place for the last 1 month.
The Minor Irrigation Department had placed the boulders and concretised them in 2010-11 at the cost of Rs 9.70 lakh to make it work like an embankment to avoid flooding.
The boulders were accumulated at vacant land and transported through trucks to Kunda Ghat dam.
Following the incident, Circle Officer Krishna Kumar Saurav, SHO Sikandara Vijay Kumar, investigating officer Jay Prakash Tiwari and others reached Kunda Ghat dam and inspected the area.
“We will conduct forensic examination of the clay contained on big stones found at Kunda Ghat dam and match them with the clay of Gamohar canal. The department has collected the samples. Action will be taken after the report,” the Circle Officer said.
“We have learnt that boulders were stolen from Gamohar canal. The District Magistrate has been asked to investigate the incident. After the investigation, we will take action against the accused,” Building Construction and Minor Irrigation Minister Ashok Chaudhary said.
–IANS

Police in Bihar’s Jamui have registered an FIR against unknown persons for stealing boulders from an embankment of the Gamohar canal.

Boulders worth Rs 30 lakh stolen from canal embankment in Bihar’s Jamui

New Delhi: August ended with an overall rainfall deficit of 36 per cent, the worst in 122 years, according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), monsoon rainfall during 2023 is expected to be “below normal” or on the lower side of “normal”. This has raised concerns about the yield of kharif crops and sowing in the subsequent rabi season, the report said.
However, IMD said that it would not change its earlier forecast of a “normal” monsoon at 96 per cent (with an error margin of +/-4 per cent) of the long-period average (LPA). The overall rainfall deficit until September 3 stood at 11 per cent below normal, with all the regions receiving below-normal rainfall, barring northwestern India (normal).&nbsp;
Central India (12 per cent below normal), South Peninsula (14 per cent below normal) and the eastern and northeastern regions (18 per cent below normal) have witnessed deficient rainfall, the report said.
Kharif sowing as of September 1 stood at 0.4 per cent higher than last year. The area under paddy cultivation is now 3.7 per cent higher than last year.
However, the area under pulses is still 8.5 per cent lower than last year. Production of jute, cotton and oilseed is also lower. Coarse cereals (1.1 per cent YoY) and sugarcane (7.7 per cent YoY) continue to do well.
Above-normal rainfall in Telangana and Tamil Nadu has led to an improvement in rice sowing. However, deficient rainfall in major rice-producing states (with 66 per cent share in overall rice production) such as West Bengal (15 per cent below normal), Uttar Pradesh (19 per cent below normal), Andhra Pradesh (10 per cent below normal), Chhattisgarh (22 per cent below normal), Bihar (27 per cent below normal), Odisha (15 per cent below normal) and Assam (16 per cent below normal) is a cause for concern.
States with higher irrigation cover, such as Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, will be less impacted.
The deficient monsoon in states (with 64 per cent share), such as Madhya Pradesh (18 per cent below normal), Maharashtra (13 per cent below normal), Uttar Pradesh (19 per cent below normal), Karnataka (20 per cent below normal), Andhra Pradesh (10 per cent below normal) and Jharkhand (38 per cent below normal) is affecting sowing of pulses, the report said.
Lower irrigation cover in major states would affect pulse production more. Inflation in pulses has nearly doubled in the past five months. Deficient rainfall, and consequently lower rice and pulses sowing, have pushed prices higher. Rice constitutes around 4.4 per cent and pulses have a weight of 6 per cent in the overall CPI basket.
As of August 31, water reservoir levels stood at 63 per cent of the live storage capacity. Even though the reservoir levels are lower than last year, they are on par with the previous seven years’ levels. Deficient rainfall would have an impact on groundwater and reservoir levels, which would adversely impact rabi sowing, the report said.&nbsp;
—IANS

August ended with an overall rainfall deficit of 36 per cent, the worst in 122 years, according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

August ends with rainfall deficit of 36%, highest in 122 years

Chandigarh: To move farmers out of the paddy-wheat cycle amidst the depleting groundwater table and to make agriculture a secure and profitable profession in Haryana, India’s prominent bread basket, the BJP-led state government is empowering farmers by bringing changes in farming perceptions, a boost it expects will help double revenue.
Experts attribute the state’s success to evolving and adapting its own models to make farming sustainable.
To ensure that the farmers become prosperous through crop diversification and eco-friendly techniques, the BJP government led by Manohar Lal Khattar, who has been at the helm since 2014, is providing them incentives, besides a range of subsidies and grants.
As per official data, a whopping Rs 76,000 crore has been directly deposited into farmers’ accounts in the past six seasons for crop purchases.
The state -- where the water availability is 20,93,598 crore litres against the demand of 34,96,276 crore litres, a shortfall of 14 lakh crore litres -- holds the distinction of being the first in the country to procure a maximum of 14 crops at the minimum support price (MSP).
Also, the government has set a national benchmark by offering the highest price of Rs 372 per quintal for sugarcane. To facilitate online crop sales, 81 marketing yards have been integrated with the e-NAM portal.
The government linked agriculture with technology by establishing the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal. Approximately nine lakh farmers are registered with it.
Through this portal, the farmers can access benefits such as crop sales and financial assistance for fertilizers, seeds, loans, and agricultural equipment, all just with a click of the mouse.
As agriculture is vulnerable to natural disasters, the Chief Minister introduced an initiative, the ‘e-crop compensation portal’, enabling farmers to register information about their crop losses.
A government spokesperson told IANS that under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, aimed at uplifting the farming community, Rs 4,288 crore has been disbursed in 13 instalments among 1,970,000 farmers in the state.
Additionally, more than 2 lakh farmers have received insurance claims of Rs 7,071 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Chief Minister Khattar has augmented compensation for crop damage by natural disasters to Rs 15,000 per acre. The state has allocated Rs 3,928 crore to support affected farmers.
To make farming more sustainable, 56,343 solar pumps have been installed with subsidies ranging from 75 to 90 per cent, directly benefiting the agricultural community.
To promote horticultural cultivation alongside traditional crops, the state has set up 14 centres of excellence, besides introducing a unique initiative called the Bhavantar Bharpai scheme to mitigate risks for farmers.
Under this scheme, guaranteed prices have been set for 21 horticultural crops, with the inclusion of bajra in the Kharif season of 2021.
The Chief Minister Horticulture Insurance Scheme offers insurance coverage of up to Rs 40,000 per acre for horticultural crops.
Additionally, the government has facilitated the formation of 746 farmer producer groups, connecting 100,000 farmers for the grading, storage, and marketing of fruits and vegetables.
Subsidies of Rs 20,000 per acre are granted for the establishment of orchards for mangoes, guavas, and citrus fruits, while a 35 per cent subsidy supports the construction of cold chains for fruits and vegetables, and a 40 per cent subsidy encourages mushroom cultivation.
To boost irrigation practices, the government is offering an 85 per cent subsidy on micro irrigation systems, in line with the Prime Minister's Per Drop More Crop initiative.
Through the underground pipeline scheme, farmers receive grants of up to Rs 10,000 per acre, with a maximum cap of Rs 60,000 per farmer.
For water conservation, the Chief Minister launched the Mera Pani -- Meri Virasat scheme, offering financial assistance of Rs 7,000 per acre to farmers engaged in crop diversification and water conservation efforts.
As per the Integrated Water Resources Action Plan (2023-25), the state aims to meet the twin challenges of water depletion and water-logging.
According to the plan, 3.14 lakh acres of land will be covered under crop diversification, which will save 1.05 lakh crore litres (7.6 per cent) water.
The direct seeding of rice (DSR) will be done in 4.75 lakh acres and will save 1.18 lakh crore litres (8.4 per cent) and 27.53 lakh acres will be brought under conservation tillage to save 0.51 lakh crore litres (3.7 per cent) of water.
Using the DSR technique, one can mechanically drill paddy seeds directly into the field. The machine does the seeding of rice and spray of herbicide simultaneously.
A further 0.47 lakh crore litres (3.4 per cent) water will be saved by using high varieties in 3.49 lakh acres, 0.35 lakh crore litres (2.5 per cent) will be saved by using green manure in 9.73 lakh acres and 0.27 lakh crore litres will be saved by covering 0.43 lakh acres under natural farming.
Farmer Amar Godhra of Kurukshetra district has been successful in using the DSR technique in his 20 acres of land over the past three years.
“The mechanical plantation not only saves money but also saves water and electricity to run the tubewell, besides early crop maturity,” he told IANS.
Eighty five blocks in 19 districts in Haryana have been critical with low availability of canal water with an increasing dependency on groundwater.
Haryana’s status of groundwater extraction is 134.14 per cent in the assessment year 2022, the third worst in the country.
—IANS

To move farmers out of the paddy-wheat cycle amidst the depleting groundwater table and to make agriculture a secure and profitable profession in Haryana

Haryana push to pull farmers out of paddy-wheat-rice cycle, save water

Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said the Supreme Court’s verdict water dispute should not be based on the orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) but on ground reality.
He told reporters here that the apex court, after hearing arguments of both the states, has upheld the orders of the CWMA. It was unfortunate that Karnataka has been directed to honour the orders of the Authority for the next 15 days.
The state government must once again review the prevailing situation in the Cauvery basin. The orders of the CWMA were not final. It was not correct on the part of the apex court to say that it was not connected in this issue. It was important to calculate the water level in Tamil Nadu along with the water storage level in the dams in the Cauvery basin.
The former CM pointed out the state should have filed an appeal before the Supreme Court when the CWMA pronounced its first orders.
Karnataka moved the apex court only after releasing water to Tamil Nadu twice. It looks like the SC fully depended on the CWMA. The attitude of CWRC and CWMA is not right. The CWMA must see the ground reality but it was issuing orders based on the statistics, he maintained.
Bommai said the state government says it would file a review petition in the SC but Tamil Nadu had already utilised the water illegally. This must be brought to the notice of the Supreme Court.
The state government must not only say that there was not enough water in the Cauvery basin dams but mentioned that Bengaluru which is an international City, was flocked by people from everywhere. For this, a separate quota of water has been fixed for the State capital. This point must be made aware of to the apex court, he stated.
The Tamil Nadu State would witness rain in the return monsoon whereas the rainy season has almost ended in Karnataka. This must be explained to the apex court. The state government now should fight at least to preserve water for drinking water purposes. The BJP did not want to do politics in this issue but the reality was that the crops were withering. The farmers must be compensated by Rs 25,000 for each acre, Bommai explained.
—IANS

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said the Supreme Court’s verdict water dispute should not be based on the orders of the Cauvery

Cauvery dispute: SC order must be based on reality, says Bommai

New Delhi: Expressing surprise over the state government challenging a CBI probe, the Supreme Court has refused to interfere with an order of the Uttarakhand High Court directing an investigation into the award of a parking contract by the state’s irrigation department. A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal dismissed the appeal filed by the Uttarakhand government. “We understand the contractor coming to the court, but we are surprised that the state government has filed the appeal against the high court order,” the bench observed. The top court said it was sure that the CBI will conduct the investigation in a fair manner uninfluenced by tentative observations made by the high court in the impugned order. “After having heard the Solicitor General and the senior counsel appearing for the petitioners, we find that there is no reason to interfere with the impugned order directing investigation through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). “It is obvious that the observations made in the impugned order are for the limited purposes of coming to the conclusion that the investigation through CBI is required and the same shall not be understood as the findings recorded by the High Court on merits,” the bench said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the state government. The top court was hearing a plea filed by the Uttarakhand government challenging the October 20, 2023 order of the high court setting aside a parking contract awarded by the irrigation department by observing that the contract awarded was illegal and contrary to the tender terms. “This court is of the view that the conduct of the concerned officials, who appear to be hand in glove with the two firms owned by real brothers and the role of the said two firms should be investigated by an independent investigating agency like CBI and as such, after considering the material on record, this court comes to the conclusion that the present matter falls within the principles enunciated by the constitution bench of the Supreme Court and we are satisfied that the material available on record does disclose a prima facie case calling for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation,” the high court had said. The high court’s order had come on a plea challenging the award of a parking contract to an individual on government land in Haridwar initially, in the first phase for 400 days and thereafter, in the second phase for 229 days i.e. for total 629 days, citing deviations from the tender’s conditions. The petitioner argued that as per the condition of the tender notice, period of tender can extended, if parking area is declared as zero parking zone or containment zone during the Covid pandemic, but no such record is available with the authorities. —PTI

Expressing surprise over the state government challenging a CBI probe, the Supreme Court has refused to interfere with an order

SC Refuses To Interfere With Uttarakhand HC Order Directing CBI Probe Into Award Of Parking Contract

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday accused the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of not releasing funds for the Upper Bhadra Project in Karnataka despite "announcing Rs 5,300 crores" for it. "I know that Nirmala Sitharaman is a very intelligent leader and a Minister. But she represents Karnataka. As far as irrigation is concerned in Karnataka, for the Upper Bhadra Project, the Finance Minister had announced that she is going to give Rs 5,300 crores for the Bhadra project. Was it not her announcement?" Shivakumar told reporters.
Questioning the Finance Minister for not releasing funds though she had earlier announced, Shivakumar said, "Without having the policy I think no Minister will announce without any recommendation. She had announced it in her budget before the elections. Have they released it?" The Deputy Chief Minister said that Sitharaman has all the power to rectify whatever injustice has been done. "Even on the Finance Commission issue, whatever discrepancy is there, they have the entire power to rectify it, and give justice to whatever injustice has been done," he said. Taking a dig at Sitharaman, Shivakumar said the Union Finance Minister should have gifted a GIFT City for Karnataka just like she did for Gujarat. "For example in Gujarat, I think they have announced GIFT City. Let her gift Karnataka also. She is from Karnataka. Let ger give one GIFT City to Karnataka," he said.  Earlier on Sunday, Shivakumar lambasted the State BJP leaders for constantly criticising the Congress government on drought relief and alleged that they were not doing anything to seek drought relief from the Centre. Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, "The state BJP leaders haven't made any efforts to hold a meeting with the BJP government in the Centre to seek drought relief funds for the state, which is reeling under severe drought. Instead, they are busy criticising the state government."   —ANI

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar alleges Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's delay in releasing Rs 5,300 crores for Karnataka's Upper Bhadra Project.

Union Finance Minister not releasing funds for Upper Bhadra Project in Karnataka: Shivakumar

Hyderabad: In what is a potential blow for the erstwhile K Chandrashekhar Rao led BRS government in Telanaga, a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report revealed that he benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of the Kaleshwaram irrigation project in Telangana was inflated and the entire programme was economically unviable. The cost of the Kaleshwaram project, which was initially estimated at Rs 81,911.01 crore, is now likely to exceed Rs 1,47,427.41 crore, with a cost overrun of about 80 per cent, the audit report tabled on Thursday said. Even with the understated project cost of Rs 81,911.01 crore, benefit-cost ratio works out to be 0.75. Considering the latest likely project cost of Rs 1,47,427.41 crore, the BCR works out to 0.52. "This means that every rupee spent on the project would yield only 52 paise. It clearly indicates that the project was, ab-initio, economically unviable," the audit report stated. "The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of the project was inflated by overstating the value of project benefits and understating the annual costs." The audit report into the big-ticket irrigation scheme revealed that the Government of Telangana did not accord administrative approval for the project, and instead issued separate approvals -- as many as 73 administrative approvals aggregating to Rs 1,10,248.48 crore. The audit report added that there were no orders from the government about the funding pattern for the project. "The absence of a comprehensive plan duly spelling out the sources of funds for a project of this scale, which will have a long term impact on the finances of the State, is an indication of improper planning," it said. In 2008, the government of the erstwhile combined state of Andhra Pradesh took up the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Pranahitha-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Lift Irrigation Scheme (PCSS Project) at a cost of Rs 38,500 crore. The project proposed to lift 180 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water from Pranahitha and Godavari rivers and provide irrigation to a new command area of 16.40 lakh acres in the Telangana region. Even without the approval of the project by the Central Water Commission (CWC), the project works were awarded to different contractors during 2008-2009 and execution of the works commenced. After the state re-organisation in June 2014, the government of the newly formed state Telangana decided to re-engineer the project and divided it into two separate projects -- the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahitha Project and the Kaleshwaram Project. 56 contracts were awarded under work for the Kaleshwaram project. The progress of project work is slow, the CAG report said. "Out of the 56 works, only 12 works were completed, 40 works were ongoing with progress ranging from 3 per cent to 99 per cent while 4 works have not even commenced, as of March 2022. As against the total value of civil works of Rs 1,02,267.99 crore, the progress achieved was Rs 70,666.48 crore (i.e., 69 per cent)," the report read. The delay in completion of works was mainly due to revisions in the scope of works and delays in finalisation of scope of works/designs/drawing and land acquisition, it argued.
—ANI

CAG report on Kaleshwaram project reveals inflated cost, benefit-cost ratio concerns, and administrative irregularities in Telangana's irrigation plan.

Telangana's Kaleshwaram irrigation project economically unviable, cost-benefit ratio inflated: CAG report

CAG report on Kaleshwaram project reveals inflated cost, benefit-cost ratio concerns, and administrative irregularities in Telangana's irrigation plan.





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