Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
CM Mann reviews water conservation initiatives, applauds achievements, and calls for continued efforts
CM directs MICADA to ensure timely completion and monsoon-ready infrastructure
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 3, 2023: In a key meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Manohar Lal regarding water conservation held here today the Chief Minister reviewed crucial water conservation projects, applauding achievements, and charting the course for future endeavors.
During the meeting the Chief Minister expressed contentment over achieving physical and financial targets, directing engineers to resolve pending issues, and ensuring necessary financial support.
Notably, MICADA and Irrigation Department could spend only 50 percent of the Budget while in 2023-24 the expenditure will be about 80 percent of the Budget allocation which is nearly 2000 Crore for the current fiscal.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for on-farm works during the monsoon season and encouraged continued efforts in this direction. The Chief Minister highlighted Haryana's commitment to sustainable water management, agricultural prosperity, and community engagement. The state looks forward to further achievements in water conservation and irrigation in the coming years.
Advisor (Irrigation) to Chief Minister, Sh. Devender Singh presented remarkable statistics, showcasing a 250 percent increase in water course construction and a 500 percent expansion in micro-irrigation compared to 2015-2016.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also directed the officers concerned to address concerns about limited time windows for irrigation works, and further review the Bank of Sanctions to alleviate planning constraints and expedite project execution.
MICADA Applications and Assistance
Administrator, MICADA, Dr. Satbir Singh Kadian apprised the Chief Minister that 46,512 applications covering 1.5 lakh acres have been received through the MICADA portal.
The Chief Minister directed the prompt disbursement of assistance for pending applications, emphasizing farmer support. Out of these, work on 27,341 applications has been completed and the assistance amount for 7,198 applications has been released.
The Chief Minister directed the officers to get the work started on approximately 100 waterbodies identified so far having an area of 1000 acres at the earliest and get the same completed before the onset of Monsoon 2024 so that sufficient storage capacity can be generated to store the excess rainwater.
Special focus should be paid to Kharif channels and optimum water utilization
During the meeting, the Chief Minister gave direction regarding exploring demands for the extension/construction of Kharif channels in District Sirsa, ensuring excess flood water can be utilized during monsoon season. Discussion did take place on the demand for available water running 22 days to 54 days in Ottu and therefore the same needed to be utilized for the good of the people.
Ensure community involvement and responsibility, CM
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of community participation, urging individuals and institutions to take ownership of water conservation projects and ensure their effective maintenance.
The Chief Minister further directed that the officers ensure that small ponds are created at the bottom of the Aravallis to conserve water. The demands received in Jan Samwad were also directed to be satisfactorily completed.
EIC Birender Singh, EIC Rakesh Chauhan, CE Suresh Yadav, CE Nara, CE Nitish, CE Rana, and other officers of the department also remained present on this occasion.