Panchayati Irrigation Management Over Canal Systems in West Bengal

The paper aims to trace out if the role that panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) play towards decentralised management system over large irrigation systems in the state of West Bengal. The study highlights that the devolution of legal power to the panchayat falls short of control over canal irrigation systems of the state. However, by virtue of the institutional powers that emanate from the structural arrangements, the PRIs play a semi formal role which is neither systematic nor easily recognisable, and remains more like a contingent response to critical situations. The study, finally argues in favour of systematic and continuous involvement of the various panchayati raj institutions in the state through a state level irrigation reform.