Maha Governor downplays irrigation scam, argues importance of irrigation in current drought

Expresses government's resolve to attract Rs 5 lakh crore investments in 5 years

Maharashtra government on Monday downplayed the ongoing controversy over the multi crore irrigation scam. Instead, the state Governor K Sankaranarayanan in his address to the joint session of the Maharashtra Legislature said during the drought year, importance of creation of new irrigation potential is quite obvious. In 2011-12, an irrigation potential of 1.08 lakh hectare was created.

Though the available live storage in the reservoir was less by 319 metric cubic metre in 2011-12 as compared to 2010-11, the actual irrigated area in increased by 2.97 lakh hectare, due to effective management.

The Lake Tap in the reservoir of Koyana hydro project state IV was performed on April 25, 2012 which has to some extent also helped to cater power demand in the state. Governor's submission comes at a time when the state government on December 31 has formed a special investigation team (SIT) chaired by water expert Madhav Chitale to look into irrigation scandal. SIT has not been delegated judicial powers.

However, SIT's terms of reference also includes fixing responsibility for any irregularities found and suggest action against those concerned. Economic Survey presented last year had mentioned that state's irrigation rose by mere 0.1% during 1999 and 2012 while NCP claimed the actual rise was 5.17%. Congress party ruled agriculture department supported Economic Survey's observations.

Earlier, the opposition Shiv Sena and BJP before the beginning of the Governor's address shouted slogans raising the issues relating to the irrigation scam, the government's alleged mishandling of the drought relief works, lapses in drinking water supply especially in drought affected 126 talukas in 16 districts, rising mismatch between power demand and supply and deteriorating law and order situation. On the other had, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which has decided not to go along with Shiv Sena and BJP in the legislature but maintain its independent status, made an attempt in vain to stop the Governor from entering the Vidhan Bhavan. MNS raised the Union Public Service Commission's new test pattern, which excludes an option of appearing exams in Marathi.

 Meanwhile, Governor reiterated the state government's intent to attract an investment of Rs 5 lakh crore to generate 20 lakh new employment opportunities in next five year as envisaged in the New Industrial Policy announced on January 3. Through the package scheme of incentives the government will provide basket of fiscal support in the initial stage of industrial operations. With the rapid increased in the cost of land, Governor admitted the entrepreneurs of small enterprises area finding it difficult to obtain land for their venture. However, slatted structures will be constructed in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation areas to provide space especially for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Although the state government's much debated plan to make Maharashtra load shedding free by end of December 2012, the Governor said the government has met 96% energy demand of the state. He went on to add that 82% of Maharashtra has become free from load shedding by end of 2012.