Friday, 09 August 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the officials that they should identify two rivers of the state and work for their rejuvenation. He said that one river each in Garhwal and Kumaon division should be selected for the purpose.
The CM gave the order while reviewing the Watershed Management department here on Thursday. Dhami suggested that small ponds should be made with public cooperation in the areas sensitive for forest fires. He said that along with conservation of natural resources, the Watershed Management department should take steps to increase the sources of livelihood of the people. The CM said that the officials should ensure that construction of any project does not affect the water sources of the area. He added that effort should also be made for the revival of water sources affected by the construction activities.
The CM said that ‘vibrant villages’ should be given priority in the schemes and projects undertaken by the Watershed management department.
He said that all externally aided projects should be completed within the stipulated time period. The CM added that the schemes aided by the union government should be given top priority. The CM also directed the Springs and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) to prepare short and long term plans for the revival of natural water sources and rain-fed rivers and evaluate and monitor them.
Dhami averred that effective steps should be taken in collaboration with the Forest department to reduce human-wildlife conflict. He said that sustainable water resource management, sustainable land and ecosystem management, climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation should be kept in mind while planning and implementing the watershed development projects.
The CM said that along with promoting traditional products, work should be done to increase the income of farmers through horticulture and agro-forestry activities in the cultivable wastelands. He said that women should be involved in watershed schemes.
The CM was informed that ‘Uttarakhand climate friendly rain-fed agriculture project’ funded by the World Bank has been approved. The Rs 1148 crore project will remain operational from the year 2024 to 2030 in the State.
The project will work for reducing water drainage and soil erosion through spring shed management, reducing greenhouse gas in the agricultural sector, improving the amount of carbon by planting trees in the rain-fed and fallow lands and will help in increasing the income of farmers through carbon fencing. It will also help in increasing productivity of rain-fed and irrigated crops.
Cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj, Vice president of State Infrastructure monitoring council Vishwas Dawar, vice president of State watershed management council Ramesh Gadiya, chief secretary Radha Raturi and other officers attended the meeting.
