Himachal Demands Swift Release of Jal Jeevan Mission Funds for Crucial Projects

Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, urging the release of funds allocated under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Delay in funds has hampered project progress. Patil assured to expedite the release and address irrigation project approvals under PMKSY and flood management initiatives.

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to discuss the release of funds allocated to the state under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The meeting primarily focused on the delay in releasing funds to the Jal Shakti department, essential for project continuity.

According to a Himachal Pradesh government release, Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri informed Minister Patil that although Rs. 916.53 crore had been allocated by the Centre for the current fiscal year, no funds had yet been released. This delay has stalled ongoing projects. Agnihotri requested that the first and second installments, totaling Rs. 458.26 crore, be disbursed promptly.

The Union Minister assured Agnihotri that he would look into the matter urgently to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects. The state's focus remains on enhancing irrigation facilities for its residents. The release also touched on significant projects like the Phina Singh Medium Irrigation Project awaiting central approval under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchai Yojna (PMKSY), amounting to Rs. 282.47 crore. Approval for two more projects, 'Beet Area' and 'Kuthlehar,' estimated at Rs. 120.79 crore, was also sought.

Discussion extended to central assistance for ongoing irrigation projects under PMKSY. Agnihotri highlighted that heavy rains last monsoon caused significant damage, especially in the Kullu-Manali area, impacting numerous drinking and irrigation projects. For flood control, funds under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) were also discussed, focusing on the River Beas in Kullu district.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need for funds to prevent damage from future flooding, estimating the cost of bank-channelization projects at approximately Rs. 2300 crores. Patil reassured that all the issues would be considered sympathetically.