Govt to install one lakh tube wells in State to ensure Har Khet ko Pani

Guwahati, Nov 27 (HS): Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Government of Assam with a view to extending coverage of irrigation ‘Har Khet ko Pani’ and management of ground water, would install one lakh tube well in 19 districts of the state.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of Irrigation Department chaired by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held in the conference room of his office here today. Under the scheme, in the first phase 4779 solar and electric power driven tube wells would be set up in the state, benefitting around 18,577 farmers.

Chief Minister Sonowal stressed on implementing the scheme on a priority basis and in focussed manner with an aim to improve water use efficiency ‘more crop per drop’. He also said that an efficient implementation of the scheme would lead to overall improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the farmers. He, however, stressed on qualitative implementation of the scheme so that the novelty associated with the objective of the scheme is sustained. He also asked the Irrigation Department to leave no stone unturned to ensure success of the scheme.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sonowal also took stock of the implementation of various schemes of Fishery Department. He asked the Secretary Fishery Department Rakesh Kumar to protect and preserve water sources of the state like pond, fishery etc to maintain the sustainability of aqua life. He also asked him to adhere to soil testing of the water bodies. Sonowal observed that if the 2700 water bodies of the state are maintained for sustaining their quality of aqua life, Assam besides fulfilling the domestic needs of the state, can export fish outside the state.

Minister of State (i/c) for Irrigation Bhabesh Kalita, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Lohiya, Principal Secretary Irrigation Department Rajesh Prasad and a host of senior government officers were present at the meeting.