Shimla: Secretary Jal Shakti Vibhag Dr. Abhishek Jain chaired a review meeting of drinking water and irrigation schemes yesterday evening. He stated that the department’s primary objective is to ensure water supply to every household and agricultural field.
He said that as a result of the department’s continuous efforts, electricity supply and equipment-related works have been completed in 134 schemes across the state at a cost of Rs. 66.52 crore. In addition, 45 schemes have been made operational with an expenditure of approximately Rs. 140 crore. He said that the commissioning of these schemes would directly benefit a large section of the state’s population and other 89 schemes where power supply has been generated would be made operational within ten days.
Dr. Jain further stated that, in accordance with the directions of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, the department was working towards the successful operation of drinking water and irrigation schemes. The department is focusing on innovation and technology-driven strategies to strengthen water management.
The number of utilization certificates submitted by the department has also increased by 201 percent. Utilization certificates for 388 schemes worth Rs. 119 crore have been provided. Due to effective financial management and timely project implementation, the percentage of pending schemes in the state has been reduced by 54.25 percent.
Dr. Jain said that a roadmap has been prepared to revive non-functional schemes across the state. A total of 62 schemes will be made operational over the next four months. The targets are to complete, 30 schemes in June, 13 schemes in July, 10 schemes in August and nine schemes in September.
Additionally, the department has released Rs. 48.89 crore to the Electricity Board for the commissioning of pending schemes.
The Secretary said that departmental officers have been directed to work in continuous coordination with the State Electricity Board. The progress of various drinking water and irrigation projects is being reviewed every 15 days.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer Anju Sharma, Managing Director of the HPSEB Aditya Negi, Chief Engineer Rakesh Kumar and other senior officers.
