First River linking attempt of its kinds in Madhya Pradesh, Narmada- Kshipra Simhastha link Project is likely to be operative within record period of one year.
A quantum of five cusec of water of Narmada would be lifted from a canal point under Omkareshwar irrigation project and would be made flown in the Kshipra River at its origin in the deep forest near village Ujjaini of Indore district. This water would be made available for drinking purposes of Ujjain and Dewas cities along with about 150 villages on the banks of Kshipra.
The Chairman Narmada Valley Development Authority, Kl Agrawal informed that as per wishes of Chief Minister we have all set to complete the project within the period of one year but we are also trying to compress the completion time even less than one year.
On March 20, Agrawal was at the project site to have on the spot assessment of the progress and to attempt how estimated time period can further be compressed.
In a day long inspection he interacted with field engineers and even laborers working at different sites. Agrawal went on analysing micro minor aspects of work and asked to take-up the task with the team spirit. He also instructed to prepare construction plan on daily basis strategy. He said that if the construction agency would meet the time line for the project an incentive of six percent of the agreement amount would be made available to the construction agency.
During his day long tour to various sites, villagers appreciated the State Government and the Chief Minister for making the effort of linking two sacred rivers.
Watermelon cultivators of draw-down area of Sislia tank pointed out that they would not be able to take watermelon crops since the tank would always be at its full level. This would affect their livelihood. These farmers asked the Government for their re-employment.
NVDA chairman assured sympathetic consideration of their grievances. It is Sislia tank under Omkareshwar project from where water would be lifted for Kshipra.