Sl.

Average Annual Estimated

No. Potential in the Utilisable Flow
Name of the River Basin
river (excluding
Ground Water)
10. Brahmani & Baitarni 28.48 18.30
11. Subarnarekha 12.37 6.81
12. Sabarmati 3.81 1.93
13. Mahi 11.02 3.10
14. West Flowing Rivers of Kutch, 15.10 14.98
Saurashtra including Luni
15. Narmada 45.64 34.50
16. Tapi 14.88 14.50
17. West flowing rivers from Tapi to 87.41 11.94
Tadri
18. West flowing rivers from Tadri to 113.53 24.27
Kanyakumari
19. Area of Island drainage in Neg
Rajasthan Desert
20. Minor River Basins drainage to 31.00
Bangladesh & Myanmar
Total 1869.37 690.32
Source: CWC Publication - Water Related Statistics – 1998

2.2 HIGHLIGHTS OF WATER RESOURCES SECTOR

As the variability of rainfall over the country is well known, the

development of water resources for irrigated agriculture received high priority
in different plan periods. The achievements in irrigation sector, during the
various plans are given in the following paragraphs.

2.2.1 Irrigation Potential: Major & Medium Irrigation Sector

The ultimate irrigation potential of the country is estimated as 140 M

ha. of which irrigation potential from major & medium irrigation projects is
assessed as 58.5 M ha. Irrigation potential in the country from major and
medium irrigation projects which stood at 9.7 M ha. in 1951 has risen to
37.05 M ha. till the end of IX Plan. The cumulative figures of potential created
in the successive plan periods are given in Figure- 2.1.

2.2.2 Major and Medium Irrigation Projects

In 1951, at the time of launching of the First Five Year Plan, there were
74 major and 143 medium irrigation projects in the country. During the plan
period since 1951 to the end of IX Plan in 2002, as per available information,
316 major, 995 medium and 172 ERM (Extension/ Renovation/ Modernization)
schemes were taken up of which 154 major, 774 medium and 87 ERM
projects have reportedly been completed. Total number of projects taken up/
completed since pre-plan period upto the end of IXth plan is given in the
Table 2.2.

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