Nagpur: Vidarbha Irrigation Data Discrepancies Spark Legal Threat
Sharp discrepancies in official data on irrigation projects in Vidarbha have triggered allegations of misleading the legislature, with statehood activists warning of legal action against the state government if clarifications are not issued promptly. The controversy erupted after Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan submitted a written reply in the state assembly, revealing that only 14 out of 82 irrigation projects in Vidarbha have been completed, while work on eight projects remains stalled due to various reasons.
Contradictory Figures in Official Reports
In his reply, Mahajan stated that out of an irrigation backlog of 7,84,720 hectares, irrigation facilities were created for 7,41,185 hectares by June 2025, suggesting a remaining backlog of 43,535 hectares. However, the same reply also noted that the total irrigation potential of 84 projects is 1.45 million hectares, of which only 7,36,000 hectares were developed by June 2025—implying a backlog of over 7,20,000 hectares.
Advocate Avinash Kale, convenor of the Loknayak Bapuji Aney Smarak Samiti (LBASS), called these figures contradictory, claiming the response was misleading and confusing. "At one place the backlog appears to be 43,535 hectares, while at another it exceeds 7,20,000 hectares," he said.
Inconsistencies with High Court Affidavit
Kale further highlighted inconsistencies with an affidavit filed by the state's chief secretary before the high court on April 16, 2025, in a PIL filed by the LBASS concerning irrigation projects. The affidavit stated that Vidarbha has 127 projects across categories, with irrigation potential created on 422,755 hectares out of 1.098 million hectares. "The minister mentions 84 projects, while the affidavit cites 127," Kale pointed out.
Financial figures also showed glaring mismatches. While the minister stated that ₹57,000 crore was spent on these projects till March 2025, the affidavit indicated that ₹26,944 crore was allocated up to 2025-26, with ₹16,553 crore spent so far. "This suggests that ₹10,394 crore was not utilised," Kale alleged.
Stalled Projects and Public Trust
Additionally, Kale noted that the minister reported eight stalled projects, whereas the affidavit referred to nine such projects. Accusing the government of failing to address irrigation concerns in Vidarbha, he said, "The legislature has been misled, and public trust has been compromised." He urged the minister to present accurate data and clarify the discrepancies within 15 days. "If no clarification is issued, we will consider filing a contempt petition before the high court," Kale warned.
Key Discrepancies Highlighted
- Project Numbers: Projects cited by minister: 84; Projects cited in HC affidavit: 127.
- Stalled Projects: Stalled projects (minister): 8; Stalled projects (affidavit): 9.
- Irrigation Backlog: Backlog (as per first claim): 43,535 hectares; Backlog (as per second claim): 7,20,000 hectares.
- Coverage Stats: Total potential (84 projects): 7,36,000 hectares out of total 1.456 million covered till June 2025, claims minister; 4,22,755 hectares irrigated out of total 1.098 million hectares, says affidavit.
- Financial Discrepancies: Minister's claim: ₹57,000 crore spent; Affidavit: ₹26,944 crore allocated.
Broader Implications for Vidarbha
As per pro-Vidarbha activists, the issue highlights long-standing concerns over irrigation development in Vidarbha, a region often cited in national discussions on agrarian distress and regional imbalance. The discrepancies underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability in government data, particularly in critical sectors like agriculture and water resources.
