Command Area Development Authorities for Improved Water Management
Command Area Development Authorities (CADA's) are an administrative mechanism created by the Government of India at the State level to improve the lagging performance of irrigation projects by placing all irrigation-related departments under a single administrative authority. This review of the CADA experiment examines the organization and operations of CADA's in various Indian states, especially Gujarat State; the relation of CADA's to State Irrigation Departments; and the role of CADA's in promoting experimental rotational water supply programs. Based on these analyses, two key CADA needs - to improve technical and interdisciplinary skills and to develop a cadre of water management personnel- are identified and a strategy to achieve these improvements is indicated. A summary of findings and specific recommendations concludes the report.