20 lakh hectares irrigated through 2062 Water Users Associations in MP

Bhopal. ‘Sinchai Prabandhan Main Kisanon Ki Bhagidari Adhiniyam’ has been implemented in the state to ensure participation of farmers in irrigation management. Madhya Pradesh is the second state after Andhra Pradesh to implement the Act to ensure participation of farmers in irrigation management. Through the Act, farmers’ groups have been authorized to work independently and legally. At present, 20 lakh hectares are being irrigated through 2062 Water Users Associations in Madhya Pradesh.

Elections of Water User Associations’ Presidents and Members were conducted during year 2011-12. Arrangements for training have been made at VALMI institute at Bhopal to ensure better functioning by Water User Associations’ Presidents and competent officers. So far, training has been imparted to office-bearers and competent officers of 80 percent Water User Associations.

In all, 692 Water User Associations are working in major irrigation projects in the state. In 11 lakh 7 thousand hectares, 217 Water User Associations are working in medium irrigation projects, 1158 Water User Associations in 2 lakh 34 thousand hectares in minor irrigation projects. These Water User Associations are also successfully participating in management of 6 lakh 54 thousand hectares of command area.