PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Chief secretary Anand Bardhan has directed the Irrigation department to double the total irrigated land of the State from existing 15 per cent to 30 per cent in the next five years. He gave the order while chairing a meeting on capital expenditure, centrally sponsored schemes (CSS), externally aided projects (EAP), NABARD schemes, special assistance to States for capital investment (SASCI), SNA SPARSH and departmental expenditure plans at the secretariat on Tuesday.
The CS said that the Irrigation department should prepare good and quality projects and suggested that work can be done on new barrages and canals. He directed that the pilot project in which sprinkler systems were installed, should be extended in all parts of the State. In the meeting, the CS asked the Peyjal Nigam to focus on zero carbon emissions in its scheme and suggested use of solar power in this endeavour. He said that proposals should be prepared on how to use solar energy as an energy source in the drinking water projects. The CS also directed the department to prepare a mechanism for 24×7 real time monitoring of all their sewerage treatment plants. The CS gave Jal Sansthan a target of installing meters in all government colonies of Dehradun by March 31. He said that the Jal Sansthan should strengthen its system to maintain water quality. He also directed that action be taken against the concerned officer on complaints of contaminated water. He directed that the DPR for the drinking water component of the Song Dam Project be made available to the government within a week. He also directed the Jal Sansthan to prepare a proposal for using treated water from its STPs for irrigation and other non-drinking purposes in coordination with the Irrigation department.
The CS directed the Urban Development department to develop large parks in Dehradun and other major cities of the State. He directed the Forest department to prepare proposals for increasing green cover of cities and expressways and a model project for bio-fencing. He also directed the IT department to establish Science Cities and Science Centres as well as develop mechanisms for their operation and mentoring.
He also directed that proposals for capital expenditure, CSS, EAP, and NABARD-funded schemes be submitted on time. He also called for timely reimbursement claims. He said that more funds should be made available to departments performing well.
The CS directed that all projects be monitored and a time line for their timely completion should be set. He said that responsibility should be fixed and action should be taken against those responsible. He said that those projects which do not have provision for third-party evaluation should be immediately provided with such provision.
