Introduction

Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Project (SSP covers Culturable Command Area (CCA) of 18 lac ha. With extensive studies on the subject, detailed elaborate and micro level plan has been evolved to deal with the development of SSP command. Entire command area is divided into 13 agro climatic zones and each zone is further subdivided in to irrigation and drainage blocks ranging from 4000 to 10,000 ha. Involvement of farmers in the construction activities and there after for irrigation management is aimed at to ensure efficient user friendly uses. The system below the VSA outlets will be managed by the Water Users' Associations (WUAs) based on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM).

• One of the unique feature is that the Irrigation Water in the command area of SSP would be delivered to farmer's groups (Water USERS Association (WUA) and not to individual farmers. It would be for the farmers groups to manage distribution within their block called village service Area (VSA). The corollary to this management is that the minors, subminors and field channels will be owned and looked after by these WUAs.
• Involvement of farmers/NGOs in the construction of micro level canal network system would ensure 'owners' amongst the beneficiary farmers.
• A suitable system called Rotational Water Supply (RWS) - Varabandhi would be implemented to ensure timely, and assured and equitable supplies.
• The another important feature is the volumetric supply of water instead of conventional area approach. The micro level canal systems with appropriate structures are being designed and constructed to ensure timely and equitable distribution of water. This would guard against the most commonly observed problem of overuse of water by initial command blocks, leaving less supplies to the tail enders.
• To ensure efficient water uses, the evaluation would be based on delta basis. Water intense crops would be discouraged.
• Micro irrigation system like drip and sprinkler would be encouraged for efficient water uses.
• An interesting as well as innovative feature of the SSP's irrigation plan is to supplement canal water supply by conjunctive use of ground water. This would augment total water availability and stretch the irrigation benefit to more area. It will also prevent water logging by regarding excess ground water and there by protecting command against water logging and soil salinity.