Impact of Irrigation Management Transfer in Maharashtra

On the basis of available, sparse data this paper finds the functioning of water users' associations (WUAs) in Maharashtra beneficial on various fronts. Not only have the WUAs increased their irrigated area but also the water use efficiency has been found to be higher after the irrigation management was transferred to the members of WUAs. The WUAs have considerably improved the recovery of water charges thereby bringing revenue to the government. Moreover, the WUAs, by charging much higher amount from their water users, have accumulated funds for the maintenance of their micro structures and continue to survive and thrive even after management subsidy of the government has ceased to exist.