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	Irrigation Scheme Categories
	Major/Medium Schemes
	Minor Irrigation Schemes
	Proposed schemes

ACTIVITIES

Irrigation Department played a vital role in
development of Irrigation potential in Assam to the
tune of 6.95 lakh hectares (up to March 2004), out
of total crop area of about 40.87 lakh hectare. This
has resulted in increase of food grain production
of the state of Assam. The main activities of the department are:-

A. Formulation of a Scheme/Project

(i) IDENTIFICATION OF SCHEME

Firstly, all the proposed schemes and its area are identified based on the farmers demand, the availability of water source, i.e. ground water or surface water, and topographical survey maps. The few data in respect on water availability, rainfall etc. is collected locally and then estimates are framed for conducting necessary survey and investigation to study the technical feasibility and economic viability.

(ii) INVESTIGATION & SURVEY

After the expenditure sanction has been accorded,survey work and other data collection works are taken up. Normally, survey works are executed departmentally by engaging work charged staff and master rolls labourers. The project report/estimate for the proposed scheme/project is formulated from the above data to show the probable cost of the scheme/project.

B. Implementation of the Scheme/Project

(i) EXECUTION OF WORKS

Once the estimate is approved, the Irrigation Department through its field officers executes the work through the registered Firm/Contractors after observing all formalities. In case of major medium scheme/project clearance from Central Water Commission (CWC) has to be obtained before execution of the scheme/project.

(ii) MONITORING & QUALITY CONTROL

The department has its own separate monitoring and quality control cells, headquarter at Guwahati to monitor the quality and progress of the work from time to time and suggest necessary measures to complete the project within the schedule time frame.

C. Supplying Water to Cultivable Field etc. from the Implemented Scheme/Project

Agricultural production depends primarily on climatic conditions. Constraints include high humidity, low temperature during winter, low light intensity and radiation, flood as well as drought conditions in certain seasons etc. These natural climatic barriers in production cannot be stopped by man. These factors are very important in respect of productivity of state and affect the economy of the state as well.

The other factors like agriculture extension management is found to be inadequate in Assam has also affect on production. Ignorance of the farmers regarding use of inputs like fertilizers, pesticides and also holding size and prevalence of good numbers of small and marginal farmers are some of the constraints that affect productivity. Thirdly, the plan and programme could not be achieved due to insufficient fund allocation. Assam state is still lagging behind the other states of the country in respect to irrigation and agriculture. There are some major/medium irrigation schemes and many minor irrigation schemes in Assam, which are either completed, or nearing completion stage. But the assets created could not be maintained properly due to paucity of fund. In fact many active schemes are becoming in active due to non-availability of maintenance fund.

It has been suggested to realize Irrigation Service Charges (Water Tax) from the farmers and then invest the realized amount to meet up the shortage of fund available. But the present process of Realization of Irrigation Service Charges (R.I.S.C.) has been started only 10 (ten) years back and since earlier the beneficiaries (farmers) were provided irrigation water free, difficulties are being faced to realize the dues. Meeting with cultivators of the schemes have since been started about four years back and is continuing but though the trend is on the increasing, the amount realized is meager compared to what is due. An act on this is being enacted soon on which Cabinet has given approval in October 2004. Suggestions from all quarters are welcome, how to improve R.I.S.C. For all reasons stated above it is necessary to provide maintenance fund till the situation improves, otherwise the assets created will be gradually destroyed/damaged.

For any clarification/other information, contact can be made at the following addresses :

Secretary to the Government of Assam, Irrigation Department, Chandmari, Guwahati-781003
Telephone :	0361-2666014 (O)
	0361-2663776 (R)
Fax :	0361-2667514
e-mail :	secyirrig_2@yahoo.co.in
Telegraphic address :	IRRIGASSAM,Guwahati

Chief Engineer, Irrigation, Assam, Chandmari, GUWAHATI-781003
Telephone No :	0361-2667305 (O)
Fax :	0361-2667514