Sunday, May 18, 2003
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Tamil Nadu
By T. Ramakrishnan
In other words, in place of the `monolithic' Public Works department, which also takes care of buildings, the multilateral agency has mooted formation of an exclusive and autonomous organisation to deal with water resources with its own dedicated cadre. Another World Bank idea relates to establishment of a water tariff panel, on the lines of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission. The reason behind the suggestion for a separate agency for water resources seems to be the ``virtual non-functioning'' of the Water Resources Control and Review Council, headed by the Chief Minister. Set up in mid-1990s, as part of execution of the Water Resources Consolidation Project (WRCP), the council has met only on a few occasions. The proposed body, possibly headed by a retired IAS official, can address irrigation issues and take decisions. The Government could confine itself to laying down the broad policy framework for the working of the new organisation. On the water tariff commission, consultations may be required with the Municipal Administration and Water Supply department, the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board and Metrowater. ``The World Bank officials have made their suggestions. Though we have not yet made up our minds, we may have to take decisions sooner or later'', says an official in the Government. In fact, the idea of a separate body for water resources is not new. The World Bank made it a conditionality at the time of giving funds for the WRCP. The Government too created the Water Resources Organisation (WRO) within the PWD but, in practice, it never took off, as transfer of officials from the Buildings wing to the WRO or vice versa continued. The rationale behind the establishment of the WRO was not only to avoid transfers but also to have personnel specialised in irrigation. However, the Government agreed to act in one area immediately. Its officials would prepare a model, incorporating a holistic approach to utilisation of water resources. The PWD has already identified the Hanumannadhi project in Tirunelveli district for the experiment and if successful, it will be replicated in other areas. (Hanumannadhi is a tributary of the Chittar and forms part of the Tamirabarani basin. The Adaivinainarkoil reservoir has been constructed across the river, having an ayacut of 6,500 acres). Beneficiary contribution, instilling an ownership concept among ryots and women's participation constitute integral parts of the model project. Besides, social benefits flowing out of irrigation projects and having implications for other fields of activity such as industry and agriculture are taken into account and hence the respective departments will have to be involved. On elections to farmers' councils, sources say the Government is keen on holding them this year. ``We hope to get funds from the World Bank in this connection''. Early this month, senior officials of the multilateral agency including the Country Director, Michael F. Carter, discussed with representatives of the Government a number of issues and projects. A government team is now in the U.S. to firm up funding for some schemes.
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