Converting river beds into canals between Palchan and Aut will cost around Rs 2300 crore, demanded Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil

New Delhi, July 29: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has demanded Rs 2300 crore for flood control measures in Kullu-Manali area. The demand was made during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, where Agnihotri also stressed on the immediate release of funds allocated under Jal Jeevan Mission.

Agnihotri highlighted the need for funds under the Flood Management and Border Area Programme (FMBAP) to manage and mitigate flooding along the Beas river in Kullu district. Turning the riverbed into canals between Palchan and Aut would cost around Rs 2,300 crore, he stressed the importance of these measures to prevent future damages.

Agnihotri also highlighted the significant bottleneck caused by non-release of funds to the Jal Shakti Department, which has hampered the progress of ongoing projects. He informed the Union Minister that though the Government of India has allocated Rs 916.53 crore for the current financial year, no funds have been disbursed yet. He stressed the urgent need to release the first and second installments, amounting to Rs 458.26 crore. In response, Minister Patil assured that he would expedite the matter to complete the ongoing schemes.

The Deputy Chief Minister also discussed the inclusion of major irrigation projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY). These projects include the Phina Singh Medium Irrigation Project, for which Rs 282.47 crore is awaiting approval. Agnihotri further requested for approval of two additional projects, ‘Beet Area’ and ‘Kuthlehar’, with a combined cost of Rs 120.79 crore. He emphasized that the state government is committed to improving irrigation facilities for the people of Himachal Pradesh.

During the meeting, Agnihotri raised the important issue of central assistance for ongoing irrigation projects under PMKSY. He also stressed the need for flood control and mitigation measures, especially after last year’s disastrous monsoon. The Kullu-Manali region was badly affected, causing considerable loss of life and property and damage to several drinking water and irrigation projects.

Union Minister Patil assured that all the issues discussed would be considered sympathetically and promised to consider allocation and release of required funds.

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