Jammu, Dec 22: Asserting that the coalition government will ensure that J&K gets due compensation for the losses it has suffered due to the “water agreements”, Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohi-ud-Din Thursday said that the state has served a compensation notice to the tune of Rs 8500 crore to the neighbouring Punjab.
 "The government has sent a compensation notice seeking Rs 8,500 crore, including Rs 2,500 crore as cost of power, from Punjab," he said, while addressing a public meeting here today.
 The compensation has been sought from Punjab for denying J&K its share on account of power and water from the Ravi canal. The government, he said, has taken several measures in the last three years to ensure that people are benefited out of the state’s own resources.
 It was historical JK Water Resource Act 2010 which forced NHPC to pay water usage charges to the tune of Rs 900 crore to the state government, the minister said adding, “We have also decided to stake our claim over transfer of Salal and Uri hydro electric project from NHPC to the state”.
 He said the present coalition government has taken many path breaking steps which would be remembered for times to come.
 He said panchayat elections after 30 years and devolution of powers to them are the monumental measures of the present government.
 Taj said already the Government has granted powers to panchayats to supervise schools, mid day meal scheme, village works, facilities like health and employment opportunities.
 He said Panchayats can even start water supply schemes up to Rs. One lakh and even recommend schemes in ground water. He asked the Sarpanchs to act as change agents in villages and ensure the attendance and service delivery by field staff of PHE and allied Departments.
 Responding to local demands, the Minister said 19 irrigation schemes costing Rs. 12 crore are under execution in the Ramban district whileas 14 schemes worth Rs. 25 crore are under execution in PHE sector in the district in addition to 25 schemes valuing Rs. 18 crores in District sector.
 Later, Taj held a detailed review of the district plan at an officers meeting in which the Deputy Commissioner, Ramban gave a resume of the developmental activities, particularly in infrastructure development, in the district.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST