This scheme was initiated in Madras province in 1883 with an objective to survey all tanks in presidency, set standards for restoration of these tanks to their full capacity and assign them to appropriate authorities for maintenance as per standards set. The Report on the minor irrigation works (Andhra Pradesh) by the Committee on Plan Projects (the so called Khosla Committee) strongly recommended that the master plan for restoring old tanks in Andhra Pradesh be implemented and completed during the Third Five year Plan. But, during the three five year plans only 8,442 tanks were restored at a cost of Rs.5.02 crore. The tank restoration scheme continued to suffer severe financial constraints even during the phase of planned development, and the expenditure under the scheme was subject to a ceiling of Rs. 350 per acre of ayacut.