Chief Minister Hemant Soren today said that the Water Resources department is linked with the betterment of farmers and there are immense possibilities of agriculture in Jharkhand. “The state government's priority is to increase the agricultural production capacity of the farmers here. Develop pipeline systems to deliver water to fields. The Water Resources Department should work dedicatedly to provide timely water in the fields,” said the CM while chairing the review meeting of the Department of Water Resources here on Monday.
The CM said that there are mine areas in various districts of the State. “There are large pits in these mines areas where water is stored. Make an action plan for the use of water stored in mines areas for lift irrigation work. Make arrangements for the use of water in the mining area in irrigation as well as drinking water,” he said.
While reviewing the progress of the Konar irrigation project, Soren said that the work of this project should be expedited and forest clearance should be done. “Complete the tender process for this project by acquiring land. Punasi reservoir project is a very useful project for Deoghar. Expedite the progress of the project. Ensure commissioning of the Gumani Barrage Project by next year as 16000 hectare irrigation capacity will be developed with the launch of this project. Carry out lining work on all canals. Construct roads in the vicinity of the canals according to the need of the people,” he added.
The CM directed the departmental officials to prepare data of all the check dams located in the State. He said that while preparing the data of all the check dams, see how much work has been completed and how many check dam construction work is still pending. Soren said that check dams in the state are also being constructed through the Agriculture Department, Forest Department and MGNREGA. Establish mutual coordination with all these departments and prepare data.
Reviewing the progress of the Suvarnarekha Multipurpose Project, the CM directed to make changes in the plan by creating a subcommittee for the implementation of this project. He said that the amount of this project can be invested in other irrigation projects. He directed to repair the damaged portion of Chandil Dam soon.
The CM said that after reviewing the irrigation scheme, which has zero utilization, the projects should be closed. He also directed the departmental officials to review such schemes by March next year.
In the meeting, Department Secretary Prashant Kumar gave details of the works on Amanat Barrage Project, Annraj Reservoir Scheme, Baksa Reservoir Scheme, Khudiya Weir Scheme, Palna Reservoir Scheme along with several other schemes.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh, Development Commissioner KK Khandelwal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajiv Arun Ekka, Secretary Prashant Kumar alongwith other senior officials of the concerned department.