Uttar Pradesh government has decided to put Maharashtra government’s Sujalam Sufalam scheme to test in two water-starved districts of Bundelkhand where water crisis is grave.
The Agriculture Production Commissioner has been asked to carry out a pilot project of Sujalam Sufalam scheme in Mahoba and Hamirpur districts of Bundelkhand.
The directives were issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a meeting held at his 5 Kalidas Marg residence here on Sunday to discuss water crisis in Bundelkhand.
“The Sujalam-Sufalam scheme is a big success in Maharashtra. We should also give it a try in the water-starved region of Bundelkhand. A pilot project should be carried out in Mahoba and Hamirpur districts and if it is found to be a success, implement it in UP,” the Chief Minister said.
This scheme is implemented as people’s campaign in collaboration with government, political organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Under this scheme, first water bodies like dams, ponds, tanks or farm ponds are identified. Then with the help of machines, these water bodies are dug and the silt is removed. If need be, the width of the nullahs are widened. The fertile soil which comes during digging is taken to the farmlands.
“At the face of it, the project looks good. We need to see whether it can be implemented in UP or not,” Yogi said, adding that the Bharatiya Janata Party government was committed to solving the water crisis in Bundelkhand region.
The Chief Minister said, “The government would have to work from now if we want to ensure water in summers. We need to ensure continuous recharge of ground water.”
Senior officials from Uttar Pradesh, Union government and Maharashtra were present in this review meeting which continued for almost two hours.