₹1,400 crore needed from govt for Godavari Irrigation Corporation

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation has sought Rs 1,400 crore from the state government Rs 1,000 crore to pay contractors for ongoing irrigation projects and Rs 400 crore towards land compensation dues to farmers.

Officials said the corporation oversees irrigation projects across Marathwada’s eight districts and parts of Ahilyanagar and Nashik in the Godavari basin. Several dams, barrages and lift irrigation schemes are either completed or underway to expand irrigation. However, land acquisition has led to thousands of compensation cases pending in courts, with several orders directing enhanced payments to farmers. For 2025–26, the corporation had an approved budget of Rs 3,600 crore.

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Funds likely next week

As per norms, 60% of funds are released by December 31 and 40% by March 31. The corporation received ₹2,200 crore by December and sought the remaining Rs 1,400 crore in January. However, sources indicated possible cuts this year, and the funds are yet to be released. Officials expect the amount to be sanctioned within the next 10–12 days.