5.  KARAPUZHA

     Karapuzha Irrigation Project is proposed in the Kabini basin. The scheme envisages the construction of a dam across Karapuzha, a sub-tributory of the Kabini river at Vazhavatta. An earthen dam of length 535 m and a reservoir of capacity 80.7 m.cum. is expected to irrigate 4650 hectares (net) and 5580 ha. (gross) of paddy land in Wayanad by raising two crops. In addition to the irrigation project, a new proposal for 0.50 to 0.75 MW of power generation and drinking water supply for adjoining towns like Kalpetta are under consideration of the concerned departments for which preliminary investigation has already been conducted.

     The original estimated cost of the project was Rs.7.60 crore. The Project was prepared in 1975 and the administrative sanction was obtained in 1978. The work connected with the project started in 1977. The original estimated cost was revised thrice in 1992, 1996 and 1999. The latest revised estimate as per 1999 schedule of rates is Rs.253 crores. This represents an increase of 3329% over 24 years. Changes were effected in the design of head works, main canal, branch canal and distributories from the original project Report prepared in 1975. An Expert Committee was constituted for this project by Government of Kerala in 1992. Based on their recommendations certain changes were made which include provision of concrete spill way in place of chute spill way, shifting spill way location from left flank to right flank of the dam, combined canal outlet arrangements from the right bulk head of spill way etc.

     The expenditure upto 31.3.01 comes to Rs.182.51 crores. Details of the amount spent as on 31.3.01 and balance required for completion is given below.

                                                            (Rs in crores)

Particulars
Expenditure
incurred as
on 31-3-01
Anticipated
expenditure
during 2001-02
Balance required
2002-03
2003-04
i
 Overhead charges
11.74
1.21
1.25
1.30
ii
 Civil works        
Dam and Apartments
25.29
0.62
10.00
0.25
Spill way
71.47
2.13
4.50
1.50
Main canals
8.99
1.81
1.75
0.50
Branches and distributories
9.48
1.09
20.00
23.64
Buildings
5.53
0.15
0.15
0.15
  Total
182.51
7.01
37.65
27.34

     The project has been receiving assistance from R.I.D. Fund of NABARD. The original targeted year of completion of the project was 1982. Though project was proposed for completion during 1996-97, the works could not be completed as scheduled.

      No ayacut is achieved till date. The partial commissioning of the project programmes originally by 1984-85 was not materialised due to meagre placement of funds since 1980-81. During 1994-95, substantial progress achieved utilising the aid from NABARD to the tune of Rs.50 crores. The outlay provided is utilised for completing the works in the main canal and for releasing water wherever possible by supplementing necessary supports.

     The dam has been formed upto the top level. The spillway work is in progress (97% of work completed). Out of 16.74 km. of Left Bank Canal 13.073 km. has been completed and the work for a length of 1.970 km is in progress and the balance length of 1.76 km. is under arrangement and execution. Out of 8.805 km. of Right Bank canal, 7.165 km. has been completed and remaining branch canals and distributories are planned for execution during the years, 2000-2001 and 2001-02.

     After having spent about Rs.183 crores in 24 years none of the components of the project has been completed and no irrigation potential has been created. The balance cost of the project is about Rs.72 crores. The budget outlay for 2001-2002 is only Rs.5.6 crores and the anticipated expenditure is Rs.7.01 crores. At this rate of funding, the project will take another 10 years for completion. With limited funds, the work of canals and distributories needs to be suitably prioritised to ensure early benefits of irrigation. The commissioning of the project is scheduled for March 2004. In order to meet this end,adequate funds are to be made available for the project.

Suggestions

  1. The Project was receiving assistance from NABARD. They have conducted an evaluation of the performance of the Project. It is observed that as the cost of the project is too large, it is not economical to pump in more money into the project as the ayacut area has shrunk due to changes in cropping pattern. Hence it is prudent to stop the project as and were it stands by completing the essential item of work that will be helpful in achieving the ayacut.


  2. The remaining works in the heads works and main canal may be completed by 2002-03.


  3. Land acquired but not utilised for branch canals may be auctioned/may be considered for lift irrigation schemes.


  4. For branches where land is yet be acquired may be reconsidered.