Bantwal: Has the government completely abandoned the “Paschima Vahini” project, which was launched as a solution to the coastal region’s dual woes of monsoon floods and severe summer water scarcity, along with the menace of saltwater intrusion in several areas? Looking at recent developments, the answer seems to be yes.
While the state finance department has allocated crores of rupees to the Yettinahole project, it has washed its hands of the coastal region’s Paschima Vahini project, citing a lack of funds for now. The finance department has stated that it is difficult to approve any work under Paschima Vahini due to the current heavy workload under the Minor Irrigation department and the ongoing execution of phase one works. Consequently, no new works can be undertaken. As a result, not a single project has received approval under the Paschima Vahini scheme for the past two years.
Since no funds are available under Paschima Vahini, district-level officials are now tweaking and routing their proposals for retaining walls and vented dams through the main Irrigation department or other schemes. These are getting sanctioned on a need basis. Officials reveal that this alternative route is being taken because proposals sent directly under the name of “Paschima Vahini” are being flatly rejected. This makes it evident that the Paschima Vahini project is on the verge of being sidelined permanently.
Coastal districts face a unique situation of heavy flooding during the monsoon and drought-like conditions in the summer. As the water table drops during summer in coastal areas, saltwater infiltrates the groundwater sources. To counter this, Paschima Vahini was launched to construct vented dams across west-flowing rivers at various intervals to store water. This project helps supplement agricultural and drinking water needs while boosting groundwater recharge. Though pursued with great enthusiasm initially, the project later got confined to files. Subsequently, when the Yettinahole project was launched, Paschima Vahini was brought back to the forefront to appease the people of the coastal region. But now, it has taken a back seat once again.
When funds are reserved under a general irrigation scheme, they are meant for the entire state. Therefore, all districts are included based on their requirements, which often results in the coastal districts getting a smaller piece of the pie. However, the Paschima Vahini scheme is exclusively designed for the coastal region. For this reason, the chances of securing higher funding here are much greater. Dedicating a separate allocation for this in the budget would be highly beneficial, as it allows for extensive irrigation works to be executed.
No new projects; old dues unpaid!
Under the Paschima Vahini scheme, districts submit individual project proposals to the government anticipating funds. The government reviews and approves them, based on which works are executed at the district level. Accordingly, the construction of vented dams across rivers and streams in the coastal belt has yielded significant benefits. However, complaints have surfaced that funds have still not been released for several works that were completed two to three years ago.
No new proposals have been sent under the Paschima Vahini scheme. The government will take a call on the older proposals. However, funds for irrigation works are being secured under other alternative schemes, and the works are being executed accordingly. Approvals have been received for some irrigation projects, and execution is underway. — Tajuddin Ubaid, Assistant Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation Department
