White paper on Maharashtra irrigation scam counters corruption charges: sources
Mumbai: The much awaited white paper on the Irrigation scam will be submitted before the Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday. Sources say the water resources ministry has countered charges of corruption in irrigation projects by listing project-wise reasons for cost overruns and delays.
Sources say the ministry has claimed an increase in irrigation potential by 28 per cent in the last decade. The irrigation potential has risen to 47.50 lakh hectares in 2010 from 37 lakh hectares in 2001, an increase of 28 per cent, as per the white paper, the sources said. Sources also say the white paper claims there is a 72 per cent rise in land under irrigation.
The white paper will be tabled in the state assembly after discussion in the cabinet. Earlier in 2012, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had announced that government would come out with white paper on irrigation. After approval by the state cabinet, it would be tabled in the state legislature during the winter session starting at Nagpur from December 10.
Ajit Pawar, an influential NCP leader, had quit the cabinet following allegations of a huge scam in irrigation projects. The irrigation portfolio has always been with NCP.
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