Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma informed the Legislative Council today that matter to regularize or extend the life span of Special PHE, Sub-pisions of Khalsi, Nubra, Nyoma and PHE pision Leh is under process with the Government.This information was given by the Minister while replying to a question by Nurboo Gialchan.
Mr. Sham Lal informed that the DDO powers have been granted/ extended on adhoc basis for six months up to September, 2013. As these pisions are functioning on adhoc basis, hence the DDO powers are also accorded on adhoc basis. However, the Minister added that the Deputy Commissioner/ CEO LAHDC has taken up the matter with the Ladakh Affairs Department to extend the DDO powers and life span of these pisions on permanent basis.
In reply to another question by Master Noor Hussain, the Minister informed that there is no laid down policy for rain water harvesting as such, but the thrust is being given on development of rain harvesting structures like check dams, ponds and tanks in the water deficit areas especially in the Kandi belts of the state. He said the department is planning to construct 10 check dams each in both the pisions, adding that these would help in recharging the existing ground water aquifer and also to restore springs and other water sources of the areas.
Mr. Sham Lal further informed besides submission of schemes for construction of 38 rain water harvesting structures under the 13th TAC, as many as 64 projects worth Rs. 21.98 crore have also been formulated and submitted to Union Ministry of Water Resources for recharging the existing water sources and raising the ground water level. The Minister informed that Village Level Sanitation Committees have been formulated in which members of PRIs and ASHA workers have been involved for creating awareness among the people. He said that the members of these Committees would meet once in a month and sensitize people about the benefits of clean water and the steps to be taken for improving water quality.