**Subject: Summary of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1991 Regarding the Lower Tapi Major Irrigation Project**
This document summarizes the response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1991, answered on July 31, 2025, concerning the Lower Tapi Major Irrigation Project in Jalgaon District, Maharashtra. The question inquired about the project's 25-year pendency, its submission under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSYAIBP), techno-economic viability declared by the Central Water Commission (CWC), recommendation by the Public Investment Board (PIB), and the timeline for final approval and fund release.
The Government of Maharashtra has submitted the proposal for inclusion of Lower Tapi Project, Stage I, under PMKSYAIBP. The Revised Cost Estimate, firmed up in consultation with the CWC, is Rs. 2,888.48 crore at the December 2023 price level, with a Benefit Cost ratio of 1.45. The PIB recommended the project for inclusion under PMKSYAIBP in its meeting held on June 12, 2025. Final inclusion under PMKSYAIBP is contingent upon approval from the Government of India, after which Central Assistance will be released as per extant guidelines.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Jal Shakti: The Indian government ministry responsible for water resources and irrigation.
Lower Tapi Major Irrigation Project: A major irrigation project located in Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India, that has been pending for 25 years.
Jalgaon District, Maharashtra: The district in Maharashtra where the Lower Tapi Major Irrigation Project is located.
Government of Maharashtra: The state government that submitted the proposal for the Lower Tapi Project.
PMKSYAIBP: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme, a government scheme for irrigation benefits.
Central Water Commission: An organization that declared the Lower Tapi Project techno-economically viable.
Public Investment Board (PIB): An investment board that has recommended the Lower Tapi Project with approval to the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Raj Bhushan Choudhary: The Minister of State for Jal Shakti who answered the question about the project.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1991
ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025
LOWER TAPI MAJOR IRRIGATION PROJECT
1991. SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that the Lower Tapi Major Irrigation Project in Jalgaon District has
been pending for the last 25 years despite its importance for irrigation, drinking water and regional
development and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government of Maharashtra has submitted the proposal under PMKSY-AIBP and the
Central Water Commission has declared the project techno-economically viable and if so, the details
thereof;
(c) whether the Public Investment Board (PIB) has already recommended the project with approval to
the Ministry of Jal Shakti;
(d) if so, the time by which the Ministry is likely to accord final approval for its inclusion under AIBP;
and
(e) whether the Government proposes to ensure timely release of funds and completion of this long-
pending project on priority and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) to (e) Government of Maharashtra has submitted the proposal for inclusion of Lower Tapi Project,
Stage-l under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna- Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme
(PMKSY-AIBP). Revised Cost Estimate of Lower Tapi Project, Stage-l of the project has been firmed
up in consultation with Central Water Commission (CWC) for Rs. 2,888.48 crore at December-2023
price level with Benefit Cost ratio of 1.45.
Public Investment Board (PIB), in its meeting held on 12.06.2025, has recommended for inclusion
of the project under PMKSY-AIBP. After successful appraisal and recommendation of PIB, the project
can be included under PMKSY-AIBP only after approval is received from Government of India. Central
Assistance is released to a project as per extant guidelines, after inclusion of the project under PMKSY-
AIBP.
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