Functions of Water Resources Department, Uttar Pradesh Government

Major & Medium Irrigation Sector

Post bifurcated Uttar Pradesh supports a population of 8.29 crores, within a geographical area 94163 sq. km. making it one of the most densely populated states in India. The thrust on agriculture in general and irrigation in particular has been pronounced on account of tremendous increase in population density. Uttar Pradesh's problems of poverty and lack of economic growth can be addressed only through a rapid growth of agricultural productivity. To attend this goal, extension of irrigation facilities on a large scale is required. Massive investments need to be made for creation of irrigation potential and utilization of created potential through construction of major and medium irrigation schemes. The ultimate irrigation potential, which can be created, is 98.38 lakh ha out of which 53.53 lakh ha can be created through major and medium irrigation schemes. Till March 2008, a potential of 28.63 lakh ha has been created through 15 major and 78 medium schemes and 10 major and 3 medium ongoing schemes.

Flood Control Sector

Uttar Pradesh is the most flood affected state of the country, accounting around 17% of the flood prone area of the country. Out of 94.16 Lakh ha of geographical area, 68.80 Lakh ha is flood prone. Presently 30 out of 37 districts of Uttar Pradesh are flood-prone. Flood management works so far implemented comprise of construction and maintenance of embankments, revetment in selected portions of river banks, land spurs and other necessary flood protection works.

All the rivers excluding the Burhi Gandak joining the Ganga on its left bank in Uttar Pradesh flows through a considerable length in Nepal. A large part of their catchment fall in the glacial regions of great Himalayas. Thus the remedial measures of the flood problem of Uttar Pradesh acquire international dimensions. As a long term measure construction of storage reservoirs and extensive water shed treatment in upper catchment of river is essential.

As a short term protective measure, construction of embankments along rivers have been taken up. By constructing about 3430 km of embankment, around 29.16 Lakh ha of area has been brought under reasonable protection. The existing embankments are under increasing pressure due to rise in the bed level of rivers due to heavy silts brought by the rivers from Nepal. Due to abnormal changes in river courses, anti erosion works for protection of embankment and some very essential flood fighting works become essential every year.

Drainage Sector

In Uttar Pradesh, nearly 9410 sq.km., i.e. 10% of the geographical area of the State is water logged. By the end of Ninth Five Year Plan, 1500 sq.km. area has been freed from water logging problem. 2500 sq.km. of water logged area is not economically & geographically viable for draining. An additional area of 1674 sq.km. is proposed to be taken up for drainage during Xth Plan (2002-2007).

Command Area Development and Water Management Programme

Administrative control of all four Command Area Development Agencies viz Sone, Kosi, Gandak and Kiul-Badua-Chandan command area agencies has been brought under Water Resources Department to provide the optimum benefit of the major and medium irrigation projects to the beneficiaries committees.