Jammu, March 27: The Central Government has launched a massive national programme of flood management under which 19 flood protection works are underway in the State with central assistance and are likely to be completed by the next financial year. Additionally an ambitious Rs 2200 crore Integrated Flood Protection Works Project is under the consideration of the Centre.
 This was disclosed at a high level meeting of engineers of Irrigation, Flood Control and Central Water Commission (CWC) here today with Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din in chair.
 The meeting was told that currently Rs 590 crore have been made available to the State during the last three years in irrigation development by the Centre and the amount is likely to double in the coming five years.
 Addressing the meeting, the Minister asked the engineers to prepare projects after due consultations for funding by the Centre. He said 700 more cusecs of water would be available to the Ranbir canal and asked the engineers to make projects for carrying this water to new and un-irrigated areas. This, he a said, would enable coverage of more areas under irrigation facility. He also asked the engineers to prepare project plans on scientific basis for Naigarh in Kishtwar, Kathua and Hans projects at the earliest. 
 The Minister underscored the need for formulating the State Water Policy for which he asked the engineers and officers to identify the key priorities and incorporate policy issues and concerns of the State in the said policy. He also directed the engineers of the State to get in touch with the Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board in this regard. He also asked the officers to see the prospects of establishment of a water quality authority in the State to check and analyse the quality of water available in different parts of the State.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST