Need of benchmarking for socially and environmentally sustainable development of a major irrigation scheme

It is a proven fact that the quantity and quality of available water resources have been recognized as limiting factors in development of most of the arid and semi arid regions. The function of the conveyance and distribution systems and services should be providing sufficient water in a timely manner so that it can be used efficiently for crop production. Reliability, flexibility and efficiency are then keywords for a modernization plan. Optimal use of available surface and groundwater, in any canal command area would result in their better utilization by maximizing the benefits from the crop production and the environmentally sustainable development and management of water resources in an integrated and participatory approach. Water consumption is highest in Irrigation sector; therefore it is a sector where performance assessment is necessary to ensure optimum utilization of water. This paper presents a need of Benchmarking of Major Irrigation Projects for socially and environmentally sustainable development in India based on Integrated and participatory approach.