In order to upgrade and increase irrigation facilities’ in the state a considerable thrust has been given to boost up this sector. Various projects have been launched in the state for the purpose. These include centrally sponsored Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) for upgradation of irrigation facilities. Under the programme 90% funding is being provides by the central government while as state’s share is 10% grant in aid.
Under the programme 9 major and 8 medium irrigation schemes at a accumulative cost of Rs. 564.93 crore have been taken up in the state during last fiscal. Against this Rs. 366.24 crore have been utilized up to March 2008 to create irrigation potential for 2.53 lakh hectares in the state.
Planning Commission, of India has also accorded approval for construction of 4 new major and medium irrigation projects involving a cost of Rs. 68.28 crore during current year. Of this, Rs. 6.79 crore have been received by the state so far. The new irrigation projects include Rs. 12.33 crore Babul canal Tangmarg, Rs. 20.51 crore Ahaji canal Budgam and Rs. 35.44 crores Parka Chik Kargil canal. The work on irrigation canal at Kathua, Lethpora lift irrigation schemes, Zainageer canal and Igophy Leh irrigation scheme has been completed at a cost of Rs. 90.40 crore.
The Central Water Commission, Union Ministry of Water Resources have also sanctioned 139 new minor irrigation schemes worth Rs. 99.53 crore for improvement of irrigation facilities in rural areas in the state under AIBP during last fiscal. Of these, 77 minor irrigation schemes are being executed in Kashmir Division at a cost of Rs. 47.43 crore and 62 schemes in Jammu Division at a cost of Rs. 52.10 crore.
Under state sector 85 minor irrigation schemes with an estimated cost of Rs. 305.53 crore are under execution in the state against which Rs. 263.58 crore stand utilized. As many as, 60 schemes have been completed and irrigation potential for 8.47 thousand hectares has been created. In addition, the state Government has also submitted 167 new minor irrigation projects costing Rs 307.66 crore to the Central Government for grant of sanction under AIBP. Against this, Central Government has released Rs. 83.17 crore for initiating early execution of these schemes so that more and more uncultivable land would be brought under agriculture production especially in hilly and kandi areas of the state.
Concerted efforts are also been made for conservation of traditional water bodies in the state. Under the programme, about 22 ponds in Kupwara district have been revived with an estimated cost of Rs.3.06 crore. The programme is also being launched in other districts of the state to utilize water of traditional ponds for irrigation purposes.