To further explore the possibilities of solar power generation by setting up canal top solar power units, two senior engineers of Irrigation department will visit Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh to study the existing systems there.

Special Secretary (Irrigation and Water Resources) Dr Sarika Mohan said that two superintending engineers, Naveen Kapoor and Rajeev Varshney, had been directed to inspect the power plants set up in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and submit a report within 15 days.

As per the order, the superintending engineers will inspect the canal top solar power plant under the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Corporation Limited and the wind power plant of the New Renewable Energy Development Corporation.  

Meanwhile, UP Jal Shakti Minister Mahendra Singh, made a courtesy call on Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and informed him about the progress of various schemes run under the UP Jal Shakti department.

Dr Singh said that he irrigation potential in the state had been increased by over 2.66 lakh hectares with completion of Ban Sagar Pahunch Dam, Pathrai Dam, Pahadi Dam, Lehchura Dam, Gunta Dam, Maudha and Jamrar Dam. He said over 2.35 lakh farmers were likely to be benefited by these projects.

The UP Jal Shakti Minister said that 8,384 farm ponds had been constructed in Bundelkhand and 50 lakh farmers were benefited by the new technology, including drip-sprinkler irrigation, for getting maximum crop with minimum water. He said irrigation potential had been increased by 1,61,485 hectares under the free boring scheme. 

The Union Jal Shakti Minister, expressing satisfaction over the UP government’s progress, assured Mahendra Singh of Government of India’s support.