Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Minister for Soil and Water Conservation, Punjab today visited various projects implemented by Department of Soil and Water Conservation. In the northern sub mountainous area of Punjab, where agriculture is mostly rainfed, the department has constructed several check dams for harvesting of runoff water which is later utilized by the farmers for irrigating crops during the lean period.
In addition, these projects also help in arresting soil erosion and augmenting ground water.Disclosing this an official spokrsperson of the Punjab Government said that during the visit, earthen check dams located in Paroul and Burana villages of Majri, SAS Nagar(Mohali) were visited by the Minister and while interacting with the beneficiaries of the projects he praised the initiatives of the department for providing them assured irrigation through these check dams.
Dr. Nijjar also commended these projects and said that besides conserving water, these dams are also helping the environment by improving soil moisture regime in the catchment thereby increasing the vegetation cover.
Pertinent to mention here that Government scheme for construction of check dams was closed during 2003-04, but with the special efforts of minister, a new scheme has been sanctioned for integrated development of kandi area under which 50 such new check dams will be constructed.
The Minister directed the department that efforts should be made to bring more and more area under such irrigation techniques so that we can equip ourselves for the future water crisis in the state.