HYDERABAD: The grandiose plans of the state government to complete 11 irrigation projects by this kharif season, have hit a roadblock. Despite the state government allocating a whopping Rs 15,000 crore for the Jalayagnam programme for this financial year, it is not in a position to release a mere Rs 289.69 crore for completing 11 priority projects which were expected to create an additional ayacut of about 2.57 lakh acres.The state government took up 86 irrigation projects under the Jalayagnam programme. Though the programme was given top priority initially, it slowly took a back seat due to lack of funds. The government identified 43 projects last year and decided to take them up on a priority basis by setting up a specific time frame for their completion. It was decided to complete 11 projects by kharif 2011 which will commence in June-July. But the works of these projects are moving at a snail’s pace.Among the 11 priority projects, five are in coastal Andhra, four in Telangana and two projects covering Rayalaseema, Nellore and Prakasam districts. Major projects like Vamsadhara Stage-II, Tadipudi Lift Irrigation Scheme, Guru Raghavendra Lift Irrigation Scheme, Gundlakamma project and Gollavagu projects bore the brunt due to delay in release of funds. The government released Rs 150 crore towards the works pertaining to 43 priority projects last month. Sources said that a major part of the funds were used to clear pending bills and the 11 projects which should be completed by Kharif this year received meagre allocations. As on April 1, the state government has to pay arrears of Rs 1,584 crore towards pending bills.“The projects got delayed due to technical reasons. The Jalayagnam programme is the flagship programme for the state government and funds are being released on priority basis. We plan to complete them by September. Though it will be beyond schedule, we will be able to cater to the needs by the end of the kharif season,” said a senior official.
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