Ampati:
As the Centre has decided to use the forthcoming monsoon season to expand its water conservation efforts under Jal Shakti Abhiyan, a two-member team of Central Nodal Officers took stock of the progress of the works under “Jal Shakti Abhiyan-Catch the Rain, 2023” and Amrit Sarovar in their capacity on Wednesday across South West Garo Hills district.
The team consisting of Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, M R Synrem and Scientist-C (HG), CGWB, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shasinlo Kent is on a two-day visit to South West Garo Hills. The district was declared as a water distressed district, amongst the 150 districts across the country. Zikzak C&RD Block and Betasing C&RD Block are on the list of district wise high risk sarovars. Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019 to focus on water stressed districts and blocks.
In an effort to intervene and ensure water source sustainability in rural areas and also strengthen the Jal Jeevan mission which is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the team conducted review meetings and evaluated the status of works under “JSA:CTR-2023” at Circuit House, Ampati. Various line departments such as PHE, water resources, soil and water conservation and Additional Deputy Commissioner, R Z D Shira, made presentations on the water conservation projects which are being implemented in the district.
Stressing on capturing and protecting water sources, Synrem said that assessment needs to be made on the steps taken and to conserve water. Commenting on the lack of rain in the region, he said that something has to be done before it is too late otherwise the coming generations might suffer. He also added that, this visit is a pre-monsoon visit and there will be monsoon visit and post monsoon visit to follow up with the rain water harvesting and water conservation projects.
At present, under the Amrit Sarovar project, all 15 identified sites have been completed under soil and water conservation department and there are 75 identified sites under MGNREGA, out of which 43 have been completed and the rest ongoing.
The team visited and inspected numerous sites under Betasing C&RD Block, and they will be visiting the sites under Zikzak C&RD Block on Thursday. Apart from inspection of irrigation dams, spring chamber constructions, the team also inspected afforestation works carried out by the department of soil and water conservation at Malchapara village.