Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 30 Jan: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the progress of river protection work and desilting under irrigation projects at the Secretariat, here, on Friday. He instructed the officials to ensure that all works are completed on time, keeping in view the apprehension of floods during the monsoon season.
In the meeting, officials informed him that construction of check dams, recharge shafts and ponds is being carried out by the Minor Irrigation Department under water conservation, promotion and replenishment schemes. The department has constructed 708 check dams in the state. A total of 419 recharge shafts have been established by the department in Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Haridwar, which will enable the recharge of approximately 108.94 crore litres of groundwater annually. Officials stated that water conservation works for the treatment of 14 water sources are being carried out through the Drinking Water Department and SARA in 9 forest divisions. Under the CAMPA scheme, 247 water streams are being treated across various forest divisions.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to already make full preparations for the prevention of forest fires. He said that the availability of necessary equipment along with human resources should be ensured for forest fire prevention.
The Chief Minister said that the department should maintain regular coordination with Van Panchayats and people living near forest areas. Those doing commendable work in the field of forest conservation should be encouraged and fire lines should be cleaned in a timely manner. Additionally, the removal of encroachment on forest land should be addressed on priority.
Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Yugal Kishore Pant and other departmental officers were present on this occasion.
