CM for high-level probe into delay in irrigation projects
LUCKNOW: Expressing concern over the delay in the irrigation projects and increase in the estimated cost of pending projects, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday directed irrigation department officers to carry out a high-level inquiry into the delay of projects.
He told the chief secretary, principal secretary (irrigation), principal secretary (finance) and principal secretary (planning) to review the projects and prepare a work plan to complete those of public utility. The CM issued these directives during a presentation by the irrigation and water resources departments.
Asking the officers to complete the projects in time, he said the state government was committed to checking corruption and misappropriation of funds.
He made it clear that action will be taken against errant officers. The officers should plan projects that were beneficial for the masses, he said.
Yogi directed the officers and engineers to visit districts to monitor the quality of projects.
Expressing displeasure over a delay in the second phase of the Middle Ganga Canal project, he said, “The project was launched in 2008 but merely 38% of the project has been completed.” He also pulled up the officers for the delay in the Kanhar irrigation project and Saryu canal project.
He told the officers to complete the channelisation and development of the banks of the Varuna river that flows in Varanasi by March 2018. Environmental norms should be followed in development of the ghats on the banks of the Yamuna in Mathura and Vrindavan, he said.
He told the officers to expedite the second phase of the UP Water Sector Restructuring Project and the Jasrana canal project.
The officers were directed to coordinate with people’s representatives in installation of 2,000 tube wells. As many as 65 government tube wells should be energised so that farmers got adequate irrigation facilities during the kharif season, he said. He also stressed on the construction of the embankments for flood control. Adequate measures should be taken for the security of the embankments and silt should cleared before the onset of the monsoon, he said.
Reminding the officers of the water crisis in Bundelkhand Yogi directed the officers to complete the Arjun canal project, Airach multipurpose irrigation project, Bhaurat dam project, Jamrar dam project and Kachnauda dam project. The Ken-Betwa river link project should be completed on priority basis as it will improve irrigation, power generation, flood control, fishery and tourism in the region, he said.
MASTER PLAN TO REFILL GROUND WATER SOON
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath directed the minor irrigation department officers to prepare a master plan for recharging ground water in the overexploited and critical blocks. The renovation of 190 ponds and 95 check dams should be completed on priority basis, he said.
The ground water force constituted in Jhansi should be replicated in other districts, he directed the officers. The water management schemes launched in Banda, Hamirpur and Jalaun districts should be completed on priority basis, he said.