Dehradun: Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the progress of river protection works and desilting under irrigation projects at the Secretariat on Friday. He instructed the officials to complete all the works on time, keeping in mind the possibility of floods during the monsoon season.
In the meeting, officials informed that the Minor Irrigation Department is undertaking the construction of check dams, recharge shafts, and ponds under water conservation, augmentation, and supply schemes. The department has constructed 708 check dams in the state. The department has established a total of 419 recharge shafts in Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Haridwar districts. This will enable the recharge of approximately 108.94 crore liters of groundwater annually. Officials informed that water conservation works are being carried out in 9 forest divisions through the Drinking Water Department and SARA for the treatment of 14 water sources. Under the CAMPA scheme, 247 water streams are being treated in various forest divisions.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed the Forest Department to make complete 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 forest panchayats and people living near forest areas. Those who do commendable work in the field of forest conservation should also be encouraged, and fire lines should be cleared in a timely manner. Also, encroachments on forest land should be removed on a priority basis.
Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Yugal Kishore Pant, and other concerned departmental officers were present on this occasion.
