The Government of India has accorded its approval in principle for about Rs1,203 crore for Uttarakhand water management project prepared by the state’s irrigation department. The project was prepared taking in cognisance the report on revival of water sources in the Himalayas for water security published by the NITI Aagyog.
The pre-feasibility report of this project has been prepared. The detailed project report of the dams, canals and reservoirs proposed as part of the project is being prepared.
A presentation of the project was made in front of the chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. Officials stated that as part of the Uttarakhand water management project, special focus will be laid on revival of water sources, removing silt from reservoirs, construction of reservoirs and renovation of irrigation canals.
Issuing directions for serious and time-bound actions as part of execution of the Uttarakhand water management project, the chief minister said that in addition to direct and indirect benefit to the state, this project will also exert a positive social impact in the state.
This project will also aid in the conservation of the environment and the wildlife. Additionally, this project will also be helpful in meeting targets related to poverty alliveation, ensuring good heatlh, clean drinking water and sanitation, climate action and other related aspects.
Secretary Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh said that execution of the project will enhance the irrigation capacity which in turn will also lead to an increase in agricultural production.
In addition to recharging groundwater level, it will directly benefit the locals and farmers by reviving the water sources. Enhancing the irrigation capacity and farm produce will mitigate the migration from mountainous rural areas. The resulting enhancement of horticultural and tourism activities will also boost the local economy. Rise in the economic activity will facilitate employment opportunities and boost income generation. The bureaucrat further informed that mapping of water sources and spring shed management will also be undertaken for revival of water sources.
The National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) Roorkee, has suggested construction of small check dams, recharging trenches and plantation in catchment area. The revival of the water sources will cost about Rs 90 crore.
It was further stated that as part of the desilting of water reservoirs, the Haripura and Baur reservoirs will be desilted and their irrigation capacity will be improved. A sum of Rs 176 crore is estimated to be spent for this purpose. A total of 10 dams and reservoirs are proposed to be constructed as part of the project.
These include Khairasain reservoir on Nayar river, a reservoir near Satpuli, Papadtoli, Paithani, Syunsi and Markholi reservoirs on the Western Nayar river, reservoirs on Sakmunda and Thal rivers, barrage on the Kho river at Dugadda and Gairsain reservoir on the Ramganga river. A sum of Rs 613 crore is estimated to be spent on the construction these ten reservoirs/barrages.