Sukhbir Okays Massive Plan To Rejuvenate Irrigation Network

Plan Focuses On Optimum Utilization Of Available Water Resources

5 Dariya News

Chandigarh 12-Sep-2012

The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today Okayed a multi thousand crore plan for irrigation sector to rejuvenate the 50 year old network in the state.Accompanied by Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Badal reviewed the status report of irrigation sector in marathon meeting held in Punjab Civil Secretariat. Mr. Badal said that Irrigation network was the life line of Agriculture sector and can not be ignored by the state. He said that rejuvenation plan must focus on quality control to check the seepage of precious water. Mr. Badal impressed that we must focus on latest technology especially being used by Israel for water conservation as depleting water table in Punjab was a matter of great concern. He said that Punjab must also focus on low water consuming crops and time has come that farmers would have to exercise discipline in usage of water. Participating in the meeting Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister said that focus of the irrigation department should be on quality control while executing the work on irrigation channels. Stressing upon the need for ensuring irrigation water up to tail end, Mr. Badal said that it was imperative for us to check the theft of water. Mr. Sekhon informed the Deputy Chief Minister that Punjab government has already promulgated an ordinance making theft of Canal water an offence resulting in imprisonment of 6 months besides Rs.5000 fine. Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary Punjab, S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, K.B.S Sidhu, Principal Secretary Irrigation, Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Finance, P. S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister and Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Ajay Kumar Mahajan, Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister.