Water audit for irrigation projects

A two-day workshop on initiating change in the irrigation sector organised by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) concluded here on Friday with a proposal to carry out regular water auditing in irrigation projects and implement Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) across the State in a phased manner. The workshop recommended special programmes and packages to promote group farming in the command area of irrigation projects. It decided to set up a State-level PIM wing in the Irrigation Department comprising experts and reconstitute the high-level working group on PIM with the Chief Secretary as chairperson. It also resolved to expedite moves to amend the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act for the purpose. A strategy paper released at the end of the workshop decided to list out the irrigation projects for implementation of PIM and prepare ayacut maps. It stressed the need to ensure better coordination between the Agriculture Department and irrigation agencies in the State. The data generated by the proposed water auditing will be published in the public domain. A water release schedule for distribution of water to each project will be worked out in consultation with farmers’ associations and the Agriculture Department. Rehabilitation of damaged irrigation systems like field channels and control structures and training programmes for officials of the departments of agriculture and irrigation, water user associations and farmers are other major recommendations. Delivering the valedictory address, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources, K. Jayakumar highlighted the need for performance audit in government departments to ensure accountability, professional integrity and commitment. K.V. Jayakumar, executive director, CWRDM, and George Chackacherry, scientist, CWRDM and coordinator of the workshop, spoke on the occasion. The Hindu, 22nd August 2009