SRINAGAR: Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari today called for preservation, conservation and maintenance of water bodies so that irrigation and uninterrupted drinking water supply demands of the people are met to the core.
The Minister said this while chairing a meeting to review the functioning of PHE and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) departments in district Baramulla.
While seeking details regarding the status of Water Supply Schemes (WSS) being implemented in various areas of the district, the Minister was informed that around 27 schemes are under progress for providing quality water supply to the people. It was given out that the total estimated cost of these schemes is Rs. 96.71 crore.
The Minster was by officials of PHE informed that schemes like OHT for Darnambal and pump house of Nigli, WSS Monagam Wagoora, WSS Bandi Bala, WSS Nisar Baladaji, WSS Regional Kreeri are at last stage of completion, while work on other schemes is in full swing, which would be completed within the set deadlines.
The Minister was informed by officials of I&FC that various schemes are being implemented in the district at the estimated cost of rupees 80 crore. While giving the breakdown of the estimated cost, the Minister was informed that several projects have been sanctioned including 13.5 crore Khlari Khul, 15 crore Delina-Wagoora, 10 crore Dhagam, 7.5 crore Muqam Khul, 1.5 crore Gham Khul Klantra, 7.5 crore Lala Amargharh, 7.5 crore Alibagh Daranbal and 10 crore Shoonsh Khul.
Basharat Bukhari directed the concerned Chief Engineers to personally monitor the status of work on the schemes in the district, besides taking positive measures to address water supply requirement in Baramulla district and for strengthening the measures for flood protection on Nala Ningli, Khursi, Gondari, Bal Khul and Mundari.
He also directed the concerned to come up with a survey report for the possibilities of diversion of Bal Khul and Nala Ningli to prevent flood threats and better utilization of irrigation water supplies to the area.
Mr. Bukhari also called for strict adherence to laws with respect to encroachment and illegal constructions, so that the system gets streamlined and benefits percolate to the people in need.
The Minister directed for speeding up the process of de-sliting and asked officials to prioritize the work on critical breaching spots along water channels and immediately repair the irrigation channels, so that the farmers get sufficient water for irrigating their fields besides avoiding flood like situations in future.
The Minister asked all the concerned officers to reach out to the people and sensitize them about the various WSSs and other welfare schemes being implemented by the government so that they can avail maximum benefits of these schemes.
Stressing on the need for active participation of local populace in the developmental process, the Minister directed the officers to take appropriate steps to associate the prominent locals, political workers, Panchayat members in the planning and developmental activities to ensure durable and purposeful assets as per the local needs.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Engineer, PHE, Kashmir, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Kashmir, besides Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineers. The Minister received brief on the status of various ongoing projects under PHE and Irrigation and Flood Control in the district.
