Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, has announced an ambitious initiative to develop at least five waterbodies in each water-stressed block across the state. This effort aims to conserve surplus monsoon water effectively and address the growing water scarcity challenges.
Collaborative Efforts for Land Identification
During a review meeting focused on key departmental issues and the Sankalap Patra, Smt. Choudhry proposed convening a high-level meeting with Administrative Secretaries and officers from the Development and Panchayats Department. The primary objective is to coordinate the identification of at least one hectare of Panchayat land in each block for the creation of these waterbodies.
Technical Planning for Monsoon Water Utilization
The Minister emphasized the need for a technically viable scheme to harness and conserve surplus water from major rivers like the Markanda, Tangri, Ghaggar, and Yamuna during the monsoon season. She highlighted the importance of utilizing this water for sustainable development and agricultural needs.
Rehabilitation of Channels and Two-Year Action Plan
Smt. Choudhry directed field officers to inspect all channels in the state and prioritize those requiring rehabilitation. She instructed the preparation of a two-year phased action plan to ensure effective service delivery to the tail-end beneficiaries of the department's irrigation network.
Exploring External Funding Sources
To support these initiatives, the Minister urged exploring external funding options, including assistance from NABARD, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), alongside the state's regular budget.
The meeting was attended by Sh. Anurag Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary of Irrigation and Water Resources, along with other senior officials of the department.