4.  BANASURASAGAR

     Banasurasagar Irrigation Project is an ongoing medium type project in the river basin of Kabini in Wayanad District. The investigations of the project started in 1971 and was completed by the year 1977.

     The Project envisages construction of a dam across Karamanthode by the KSEB at Padinjarethara in Wayanad District. A network of canals is proposed to be constructed and by utilising the water stored in the dam, it is proposed to irrigate a net area of 2800 ha. of paddy lands. Karamanthode is a tributary of Panamaram river, one of the main tributories of Kabini river. The physical structure of the project consists of 2.7 Km. of main canal, 13.76 Km. of branch canal and 69.00 Km. of distributories.

     Administrative sanction for the project was accorded in 1999 vide G.O.(MS)4/99/IrrD dt.30.1.99 of the Irrigation (ISW) Department. The work on the Project commenced on December 2000. Technical sanction is being received for each and every individual works separately. The investigation and land acquisition work of main canal completed. The investigation works of the branch canals is continuing and that of distributories not started.

     As per the latest revision of estimates during 2001 (adopting 1999 schedule of rates) the total estimated cost of the project is Rs.49.06 crores, as against the original estimate of Rs.5.00 crores. The project estimate has been revised thrice in 1997, 1999 and 2001. As on 31.3.2001 an amount of Rs.641.96 lakhs was expended. A sum of Rs.3.00 crores is provided in the Budget for 2001-02. However, the anticipated expenditure for 2001-02 is Rs.871 lakhs.

     The revision of estimates were effected with the change in schedule of rates. There was no deviation from the original designs. Delay in getting administrative sanction and shortage of funds led to the rescheduling of the Project. The year of completion of the Project was, thereby, extended upto 2005. The project execution has not yet assumed momentum. No instances of vigilance or arbitration cases or court stay orders stalling the execution of the project was reported. The CWC/Central Govt./NEERI - clearances are to be obtained.

     The details of expenditure incurred and balance required for the completion of the project are given below:

                                                            (Rs in Lakhs)

Item of Work
Expenditure
incurred as
on 31-3-01
Anticipated
expenditure
during 2001-02
Balance
required
from 1.4.2002 to 31.3.2005
Head works
Nil
Nil
Nil
Main canal
174.22
435.83
280.00
Branch canal
3.32
231.70
890.00
Distributories
Nil
36.05
720.40
Administrative Expenditure
230.80
61.86
225.22
Other items: Buildings staff, office etc
233.42
105.61
1277.37
Total
641.96
871.05
3392 .99

     Administrative sanction has been accorded for a total amount of Rs.37.88 crores including Rs.2.24 crores payable to the KSEB as share debit. But the 1999 schedule of rates was ordered later, and revised estimates comes to Rs.49.06 crores which is 30% higher than the sanctioned amount. Revised Administrative Sanction is to be obtained for execution of the project. A sum of Rs.6.42 crores has been spent as on 31.3.2001 and in addition an amount of Rs.8.71 crores is proposed during 2001-02 against the budgeted outlay of Rs. 3.00 crores. Out of an expenditure of Rs.6.42 crores spent upto 31.3.2001, the amount spent for canal works is only Rs.1.78 crores. The balance amount of Rs.4.64 crores was utilised for administrative purpose and for construction of buildings. The share debit of Rs.2.41 crores payable to the KSEB is not seen debited.

      Considering the present pace of execution it is difficult to spend a huge sum (i.e., Rs.3392.99 lakhs) before 2004-05. There is slackness in acquiring required site for work and there is shortage of appropriate technical manpower for execution of field work. The reasonable time limit for completion, therefore, requires to be re-examined and revised.

     The average cost per ha. of irrigation comes to about Rs 1.75 lakhs as per the revised estimates. If the present trend and pace of execution of the project is taken as the guide, it will not be possible to complete the project before the specified period. The estimate may have to be revised subsequently which will further lead to increase in the cost/ha.

Suggestions

  1. The non -availability of sufficient fund is a major problem. The possibility of getting assistance from Central Government or other agencies like NABARD may be explored.


  2. In the absence of external aid, the Project may be reconsidered for implementation.