The Union minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat at his residence here on Friday. He assured Rawat that necessary action will be taken on the state’s schemes pending at the central level. Stressing on conducting extensive water conservation campaign, he said that awareness should also be raised in schools and colleges on this issue.

Rawat informed Shekhawat that a 109 metre high concrete dam is proposed on the Saung river in Dehradun. This will facilitate gravity based drinking water supply for Dehradun till 2051. In addition to recharging ground water, it will also help in revival of Rispana and Bindal rivers. This project is estimated to cost Rs 1290 crore. He also informed Shekhawat about the 130.60 metre concrete dam proposed on the Gaula river. This will not only address drinking water demand in Nainital and Haldwani but also enhance irrigation in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. This project will also entail 14 MW power generation, fishery and tourism development. The advisory committee of the Water Resources ministry has approved this project which is estimated to cost Rs 2584.10 crore. The CM further informed that 86 per cent of the state was mountainous while 63 per cent is forest land. The state faces various types of natural disasters every year which cause considerable damage to irrigation canals. Due to the state’s financial condition, it is not possible to repair and strengthen all canals which makes it impossible to maintain the developed irrigation capacity. Considering the geographical features, forest area and limited financial resources, it is important for some amendment or relaxation in standards for mountain states under PMKSY. Seeking approval for schemes for repair, strengthening and extension of canals under surface minor irrigation scheme, he requested that considering the higher cost of canal construction in mountainous areas, the guideline of Rs 2.50 lakh per hectare should be raised to Rs 3.50 lakh per hectare. Rawat also sought investment clearance for 38 flood protection schemes by GFCC Patna costing Rs 1108.37 crore under flood management programme.

Rawat further said that the Union Government should create a separate central funded scheme for mountain states to enable them to build reservoirs to collect surface rainwater, recharge ground water in nearby areas and construct low-cost pumping schemes for developing tourism activities in mountainous regions.

Saturday, 14 September 2019 | PNS | Dehradun

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