Expressing dismay over poor performance in the implementation of IWMP works, Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Khan on Tuesday took serious note of the less important works taken up under the program.While reviewing the progress of IWMP works in Jammu division, Minister observed that many works have been taken up or completed that are either not mandated under the program or are not so important works. Minister also ordered initiation of action against the non-performing officers.Abdul Haq said aim of IWMP is to save every drop of water that falls on earth and increase the availability of surface water & groundwater. He said under the program, only those works that can fulfil the aim of the program need to be executed on ground. He said in IWMP, we treat land to increase water table and convert barren land into cultivable land. He said the department will make short term missions to reach to the larger goal and hence the works will be prioritized according to needs. He said there is huge capacity of building irrigation dams in mountainous terrains of the state which can be used to tap flowing water and channelized for irrigation as well as drinking purpose.
He said for the purpose government has appointed experts in every district who can suggest the works to be executed for conservation of water in that particular area. He said the existence of the program serves no purpose if similar works are being executed which are being executed by other departments including under MGNREGA.The minister said the IWMP should not be confused with MGNREGA as the aim of MGNREGA is to provide jobs while the primary purpose of IWMP is to conserve soil and water and directed the officials to make use of scheme effectively so that water is conserved for present as well as future generation. He said like other schemes, we can’t expect immediate results in IWMP but it will benefit the public in long run and our next generation benefit from it.While calling for performance check of the field staff and experts, Minister said action will be taken against non-performing officials and he will not hesitate in terminating the services of such officials.Minister directed the officers of the department to take regular reviews of the works and also visit the spots regularly to review the works on ground. He said IWMP works should benefit the society as a whole and not an individual.
While calling for officers to change the style of working, Minister said he will again review the works on ground after a month and will personally visit the districts to inspect the works being executed under IWMP. He said the young talent posted in the IWMP should be innovative while planning works in their respective areas so that the works benefit the society as a whole and fulfils the mandate of the Program.Minister said whatever the work may be, the officers and field staff should work religiously and maintain high standards of work so that the future generations remember our contribution. He said it is the duty of this generation to conserve natural resources including water so that our next generation doesn't suffer owing to our wrong doings.Minister asked the officials to lay stress on water conservation by constructing water harvesting tanks and small dams in upper belts of villages to tap water for future use besides construction of check dams and percolation tanks. He said aim of IWMP is to save every drop of water that falls on earth and coordinated efforts are needed to forward in its mission. He said in convergence mode with various other department consolidation of works can be done hence avoiding repetition of works as the similar works are done under MGNREGA, Irrigation, IWMP and Agriculture Department.