Over 160 villages in Jawali, Shahpur, Jwalamukhi and Dehra to get benefitted
Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri today said that two significant medium irrigation projects worth Rs. 558 crore have been accorded technical approval by the Central Government. These projects would be implemented in the Kangra district and were expected to provide assured irrigation to over 160 villages, directly benefiting thousands of farmers and boosting agricultural productivity in the region.
He said that the Rs. 219 crore Sukhaahar medium irrigation project proposed in Jawali Assembly Constituency has also been approved by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. The project would provide an irrigation facility to 2,186 hectares of land across 45 villages of Jawali and Shahpur constituencies and approximately 24,120 rural residents would benefit from this project. The area has so far relied on rain-fed farming and faced numerous agricultural challenges due to lack of irrigation facilities.
The Deputy Chief Minister further informed that another Rs. 339 crore medium irrigation project covering parts of Jwalamukhi and Dehra Assembly Constituencies has also received technical clearance. Once implemented, the project would provide irrigation to 116 villages and benefit thousands of farmers in traditionally water-scarce areas.
He said that these projects would not only enhance agricultural production but also generate new employment opportunities for local youth. Skilled workers from the area would be given preference the execution of construction works and technical training would also be provided to engage them in technical works.
Agnihotri said that these irrigation schemes would promote groundwater conservation, improve water-use efficiency and support crop diversification, thereby making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the process for obtaining financial sanction for these projects had already been initiated and would be expedited to ensure that construction begins without delay. He has directed the concerned departments to implement these projects in a time-bound and transparent manner.
He said that state government was commitment to farmers welfare and was working with a mission mode to realize the vision of “Har Khet Ko Pani”. He said that committed efforts were being made in collaboration with the Centre to ensure secure future to the farmers.