Punjab Newsline, New Delhi/ Shimla, July 29-
Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil at New Delhi today. The prime focus of the meeting was non-release of funds to Jal Shakti department under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He apprised Sh. Patil that though an amount of Rs. 916.53 crore has been allocated by Government of India under Jal Jeevan Mission for the current fiscal, but till date no funds have been released to the State Government resulting in hampering the progress of the ongoing works.
Agnihotri emphasized that the 1st and 2nd tranche of installment amounting to Rs. 458.26 crores be released soon. The Union Minister assured that he would look into the matter and funds would be released so as to ensure the completion of ongoing schemes.
The endeavour of State Government is to provide improved Irrigation facilities to the people of Himachal Pradesh. Some of the major projects which include Phina Singh Medium Irrigation Project is still lying with Government of India for inclusion under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchai Yojna (PMKSY) for Rs. 282.47 crore. Approval of two more irrigation projects namely the 'Beet Area' and 'Kuthlehar' amounting to Rs. 120.79 crore was also requested.
