To further strengthen flood control measures in the state, Haryana Government has granted in-principle approval for 604 new schemes. This initiative, with a total budget of Rs 1,205.89 crore, was approved during the 55th meeting of the Haryana State Drought Relief and Flood Control Board, convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here in Chandigarh on Monday.

A Government spokesperson said that the majority of these schemes primarily focus on protection of Abadi, protection of agricultural land, procurement of flood machinery, reclamation of agricultural land, conservation  and reuse of water and renovation or reconstruction of structures for smooth flow of drains. Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister JP Dalal were present on the occasion.

The spokesperson further said that the new flood schemes approved included 77 for Yamunanagar, 42 for Sonipat, 67 for Jhajjar, 36 for Rohtak, 53 for Ambala, 43 for Kaithal, 31 for Kurukshetra, 16 for Hisar, 22 for Charkhi Dadri, 27 for Fatehabad, 20 for Karnal, 28 for Jind, 17 for Panipat, 15 for Bhiwani, 18 for Nuh, 5 each for Mahendergarh and Faridabad, 14 for Palwal, 42 for Panchkula, 10 for Sirsa and 3 each for Rewari and  Gurugram.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed all Deputy Commissioners, who participated in the meeting virtually, to collect requests from residents in their respective districts for the construction of dams to mitigate any flood risks. They were further directed to collect resolutions in this regard from Panchayats and transmit them to the headquarters through the Divisional Commissioners.

Regarding the desilting of canals, rivers, or drains, the Chief Minister proposed the establishment of a set standard for the depth at which desilting should occur to remove sand. The responsibility for desilting would fall to the Irrigation department up to a specified depth, with the Mining department taking over if the silt level is below that point. In addition, he also suggested that the departments set a minimum water flow capacity in canals or drains to prevent flooding during the monsoon season. This approach aims to improve the management of silt and water flow in these water bodies.

The Chief Minister further instructed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure the expeditious implementation of all flood control schemes within a specified timeframe. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing water conservation and the reuse of rainwater. This approach not only addresses flood management but also contributes to groundwater recharge and the efficient utilization of water resources in arid regions, thereby promoting sustainable water management practices.