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Shimla, July 29 (HS). Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil on Monday. In the meeting held on this occasion, various issues related to the release of funds to the Jal Shakti Department under Jal Jeevan Mission were discussed. The Deputy Chief Minister informed Union Minister CR Patil that although the Central Government has approved the allocation of Rs 916.53 crore for the current financial year under Jal Jeevan Mission, no funds have been released to the state government so far. As a result, the progress of various projects in the state is getting affected. The Deputy Chief Minister urged for the early release of Rs 458.26 crore of the first and second tranches of the first installment of Jal Jeevan Mission.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that the state government is making continuous efforts to provide better irrigation facilities to the people of the state. He said that some major projects including the Fina Singh Medium Irrigation Project are pending with the Central Government for a long time for inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY). An amount of about Rs 282.47 crore is required for this. Apart from this, he also urged for approval of Beet Area and Kutlehad projects worth Rs 120.79 crore.
The matter of release of central assistance for ongoing irrigation projects under PMKSY was also discussed in detail.
Mukesh Agnihotri informed the Union Minister that last year Himachal Pradesh faced massive floods and landslides, which adversely affected the development of the State.
He said that the maximum damage was done in Kullu and Manali areas. Funds are required under Flood Management and Border Area Programme for flood control and management along the Beas river in Kullu district, especially between Palchan and Aut areas.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that taking into account the damages caused by last year's floods and the necessary safety measures, the estimated cost of the project is around Rs 2,300 crore.
The Union Minister assured that he would sympathetically consider this demand of the state government.