Irrigation canals, tube wells and lift canals in the state will be operated through a committee of Gram Panchayats. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan gave instructions to the officials in the review meeting of the Irrigation and Minor Irrigation Department in the Secretariat on Monday. He also emphasized on using modern technology for measuring irrigated and non-irrigated areas, marking irrigation potential and good farming areas through the Irrigation Research Institute and setting priority for the repair work of canals.
Install solar power plants on vacant land
The Chief Secretary also asked to focus on solar power plants for schemes like tube wells and lift canals. Also, instructed the Irrigation Department to install solar power plants on its vacant land. He said that a target of one megawatt solar energy should be set this year. This will reduce electricity expenses. He also directed to complete the works of major projects of the irrigation department within the stipulated time period, set priorities for all works, and give priority to areas where there is a great need for irrigation and water conservation.
Major projects should be monitored at the secretary level
Referring to major projects like Jamrani and Song Dam Project, Baliyanala Landslide Treatment, the Chief Secretary directed for monthly monitoring at the secretary level and weekly or fortnightly monitoring at the department head level. He also asked to increase the targets of short-term, medium-term and long-term plans and to expedite the work of getting forest and environment clearance for the construction of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Reservoir. While reviewing minor irrigation, he emphasized on focusing on drip and sprinkler scheme and said that it would be beneficial in places with groundwater shortage. He also asked to increase minor irrigation schemes run by solar energy in hilly areas.
Song Dam project will be completed by the year 2029
Secretary Irrigation Dr. R Rajesh Kumar told through the presentation that construction work of dams, barrages, reservoirs, check dams is being done for water storage, enrichment, drinking water and irrigation. He informed that the construction of Song Dam Drinking Water Project in Dehradun district started in November last year. This scheme of 2491.96 crores will be completed by December 2029. Similarly, the construction of Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project costing 3808.16 crores in Kumaon region started in June 2024, which is targeted to be completed by March 2030. He also informed that IRI Roorkee has been nominated by the Water Resources Department as the implementing agency to continuously assess the impacts on the flow of rain-based rivers, streams due to revival and treatment works under the Source and River Restoration Authority.
