States neglecting irrigation: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed concern at the neglect of irrigation in the country and said states were committing far less funds to this core sector than required.

Inaugurating the National Conference of Irrigation and Water Resources Ministers, Singh expressed concern over slippages of some Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) projects. "This is not an acceptable proposition." He urged the states to take full advantage of this programme for the Centre had more than doubled the allocation.

He also emphasised the need to reverse the neglect of irrigation sector. He said there was a need to use irrigation and improved water management practices to rejuvenate agriculture.

The prime minister also said, "states are committing far less funds to this core sector than before."

Whatever is available for investment has got thinly spread leading to delays, cost overruns and ultimately, under-utilisation of our potential."

Referring to many promising inter-state projects which got delayed because of an inability to arrive at a consensus, he asked states to show adequate understanding, consideration, an appreciation of the other view point and statesmanship.

Referring to the potential of the Northeast, he emphasised the need to work out creative solutions so that gains of inter-state projects are equalised.

Similar approaches are necessary for other inter-state rivers as well, he added.

Singh said he had suggested setting up a Northeast Valley Authority to harness the water and hydro-electric power potential of the region but there were certain disadvantages for Arunachal Pradesh. "I agree that Arunachal should get a better deal. This can be discussed," he said.