The government may scrap over 145 irrigation projects that would cost the exchequer more Rs 30,000 crore, taking into consideration the poor financial condition of the state. Only on-going projects that have been completed 75% will be continued. However, fearing backlash, the irrigation department is saying that once the financial situation improves, work on the stalled projects would begin anew.

When was the decision taken?At a meeting of top officials of the irrigation department last week. It was held to chalk out measures to improve the image of the department which is mired in allegations of corruption. The department also wants to control expenditure of the projects it's undertaking.

What is the plan of action?The department plans to give priority to projects that have nearly been (75%) completed. There are projects where not even 25% of the work has been completed, said Girish Mahajan, the new water resources minister. They are likely to be shelved. The department has also cancelled all pre-qualification tenders.

Why was Mahajan in the news?Mahajan was the key person who unearthed the irrigation scam. And he is learned to have given instructions to shelve projects at last week's meeting.

Have directives been issued?Yes, directives in this regard have been issued. It's widely believed that much of the corruption and manipulation in the sector occurs during the pre-qualification stage.

How many projects will be continued?There are 90 irrigation projects where more than 75% of the work has been completed. These projects worth Rs 3,266 crore are expected to bring 2.41 lakh hectares under irrigation.

The new policy aims to do what?"It aims to put an end to the tradition of initiating many projects simultaneously and then not providing them enough resources, which keeps them lingering, helping contractors to make a fortune," said an official in the department. Once resources are allocated to projects that have 75% been completed, projects that have been 50-75% complete would be taken up.

How many such projects are there?A hundred and twenty two. They would need Rs 18,171cr to be completed. These projects are expected to bring 8.40 lakh hectares under irrigation. Rs 70,750 crore would be required to complete all the projects.