Performance Evaluation Study - Salki

Performance Evaluation Study of Salki Medium Irrigation Project was undertaken by WALMI Odisha on receiving financial assistance of Rs 16.00 lakhs from Central Water Commission (CWC). The study was started on 19th March 2004. After successful completion of the study, the final report was presented before 12th Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and was approved. The study incorporated the data like present status of Project infrastructure and canal network, Designed storage capacity and Present storage capacity etc.

The study focused on analysis of water availability, water delivery, water use and project infrastructure with consequent impact on Socioeconomic, Agro-economic and Environmental benefits, as a result of project implementation.

Socio-economic impacts include Farm Employment, Comparative farm employment with reference to pre project level may need to be undertaken on the following aspects:

• Agro-economic impacts include Changes in cropping pattern, Land distribution and holdings, Nature of farming in terms of use of fertilizers, pesticides and high yielding seeds, mechanization and technology.
• Environmental impacts include Soil degradation, Forest inundation, Soil erosion,Wild life, Fragile Eco-system, Air pollution, Displacement of human population,Water-logging, Salinity and alkalinity, Sedimentation, Nutrient Loss. Results of the study are detailed below.
• Canal irrigation has direct and indirect impact on Agricultural practices, Land Utilisation Pattern, Cropping Pattern, Cropping intensity, Wage Structure, Land Value, Socio economic condition of the local people etc. The land price has increased by 12 times since the operation of canal.
• With development of the rural economy, there has been an overall positive impact on health of the population and public hygiene in the area.
• 36 nos. of Pani Panchayats are formed in the ayacut of Salki Irrigation Project and are functional at present. The Pani Panchayats are imparted training from time to time on water management, operation and maintenance of canal, improved agricultural practices, etc.
• Infrastructures like Roads, Educational Institutions, Banks, Milk collection centers, Co operative stores, seed and fertilizers sale centers have become possible.