The State Government on wednesday approved the ambitious North Koyal Water Reservoir Project (Mandal Dam) pending for over 40 years. The decision was taken in the meeting of Jharkhand State Wildlife Board chaired by Chief Minister Raghubar Das. The matter was also discussed in NITI Aayog and meeting of the PMO as the Union Government is providing funds for the project.
Das said that a big area will be supplied water after completion of this project. This project will sort out water scarcity in Palamu. An area spreading in 1007.29 hectare land of Palamu Tiger Reserve will be used under this without affecting the habitation there.
In order to minimize damage from the wild elephants, bamboo plantation will be increased. The CM asked the people living in surrounding areas of the project to take care of the work so that they can also earn with it. He said that the compensation amount against damage of lives and property because of wild elephants will be increased. For sorting out water problems of the animals, a three month scheme has been approved. Check dams, small ponds and other water sources will be made in the forests.
In the meeting conditional environmental approval has been given to two mines under eco sensitive zones of Udhwa bird sanctuary. MlA Tala Marandi, Additional CS Amit Khare, Forest department Principal Secretary Sukhdeo Singh, Principal Secretary to the CM Sanjay Kumar, Mining Secretary Sunil Kumar Barnwal and other Board members were present on this occasion.
North Koyal Water Reservoir Project (Mandal Dam) was started in the 70s. In the project, a barrage was provisioned at 96 km down from Barwadih block. By now, Rs 800 cr. have been spent in this scheme.