Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday expressed concern over the arsenic, fluoride and iron contents in ground-water used for drinking purposes in the state.
He directed the officials to ensure retaining of rainwater in ponds and rivulets to re-charge groundwater.
Baghel was reviewing implementation of the government’s ambitious scheme, ‘Narva, Guruva, Ghurva au Baari’ (NGGB) at his official residence.
“Time frame for the implementation of the scheme has been relaxed for quality and planned implementation as it is a long-term project and is directly linked to farming and rural economy. The ISRO scientific mapping can be used. Also ensure community participation,” Chief Minister directed the officials. He emphasized on construction of dyke wall in sandy areas of Mahanadi River and revival of catchment areas of river Arpa in Bilaspur. Based on geographical structures, the recharging of rivers and rivulets should be taken up, the CM instructed.
Citing example, he said, ponds are drying up even as there is water in Sheonath River at Berla Tehsil of Bemetara district. “Can solar energy or other sources be used to fill rivulets, ponds during raining season or other period,” he asked.
Panchayat and Rural development department additional chief secretary R. P. Mandal briefed the meeting. Sanction for setting up of 1866 ‘Gautaans’ in 27 districts have been given. Each “Gautaans” will be spread over 5-6 acre of land on an average. Each block of the state will have two model ‘Gautans’.
The related works like installation of solar power tube-well, preparation of land for fodder cultivation and plantation fruit bearing trees like mango, jackfruit, guava, peepal, banyan etc., and vermin-compost preparation structures have been undertaken.