Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi today to discuss the urgent release of funds for various ongoing projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and other key schemes.
Jal Jeevan Mission Fund Delay
Agnihotri highlighted that despite the Government of India allocating Rs. 916.53 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the current financial year, only Rs. 137.48 crore has been disbursed so far. He emphasized that the delay in fund release has significantly impacted the progress of ongoing works and urged the release of the first and second tranches of the first installment under JJM. In response, Patil assured that funds would be released promptly to ensure timely completion of the schemes.
Irrigation and Tribal Water Supply Schemes
The Deputy CM emphasized the state’s efforts to improve irrigation facilities and requested liberal grants from the Union Government. He also raised the matter of 67 winter water supply schemes, including those under the Vibrant Villages Scheme, amounting to Rs. 517.16 crore. Agnihotri sought approval for these projects to ensure regular water supply in tribal areas. Patil assured that the matter would be considered sympathetically.
Phina Singh and Other Irrigation Projects
Agnihotri expressed gratitude for the inclusion of the Phina Singh project under PMKSY and requested Rs. 135 crore for its execution this financial year. He also sought approval for two additional projects in the Beet Area and Kuthlehar Constituency, collectively worth Rs. 120.79 crore. Patil confirmed that sanction letters for these schemes would be issued soon, with fund allocation following shortly thereafter.
Pending Central Assistance
Agnihotri raised concerns about pending central assistance for three ongoing irrigation projects:
- SMI Scheme Labrang Garden Colony, Kinnaur District
- LIS Barorti Mandap, Mandi District
- LIS Sandhole, Mandi District
The total pending amount of Rs. 3.26 crore was highlighted, and the Union Minister directed officials to expedite the matter.
Sewerage Projects under Namami Gange
Agnihotri also sought approval for five sewerage projects under the Namami Gange program, including:
- Sewerage system in the catchment of River Pabar at Chirgaon, Rohru, and Saraswati Nagar in Shimla District
- Sewerage scheme for Solan town
- Sewerage scheme for Kandaghat in Solan District
- Sewerage scheme for Dadhau in Sirmaur District
- Sewerage scheme for Rajgarh town
Patil assured that these proposals would be reviewed sympathetically.
Conclusion
The meeting underlined the state’s need for expedited funding to ensure the timely completion of vital water supply and irrigation projects, particularly in tribal and rural areas. Agnihotri’s proactive approach highlights Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to improving its infrastructure and addressing water-related challenges effectively.
