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Sunday, Jul 02, 2006

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More funds sought for restoring water bodies

Special Correspondent

Effort is to expand National Pilot Project implemented in 14 States

Feedback sought from Chief Ministers Many sources have fallen into disuse

NEW DELHI: Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz has taken a fresh initiative for repairs to and revival and restoration of waterbodies on a large scale. The effort is to expand the National Pilot Project, which has covered 1,116 waterbodies in 14 States, to create more irrigation potential for the farm sector.

Mr. Soz has sought an additional support of Rs. 168 crore from the Finance Ministry for expanding the scheme aimed at reviving traditional waterbodies: tanks, ponds and similar sources. He has written to the Chief Ministers of the 14 States, seeking feedback on the pilot project. So far the scheme has been implemented in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir.

"Stick to schedule"

The Minister has urged the States to expeditiously implement the "National Project for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Waterbodies directly linked to Agriculture" announced by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in his budget proposals last year.

He wants them to adhere to the March 27 completion schedule.

There are about five lakh waterbodies/tanks used as part of micro irrigation, under which two-thirds of irrigated agriculture are covered.

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