Top priority to irrigation under Bundelkhand Special Package: CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has direct to give top priority to irrigation in the districts covered under Bundelkhand Special Package during the 12th Plan. At a meeting convened for fixing priorities of Bundelkhand Special Package at Vidhan Sabha committee room, he discussed future strategies. It is noteworthy that the Union Government has sought information about the state’s top priorities vis-à-vis Bundelkhand Special Package during the 12th Plan.
It may be mentioned that Sagar, Tikamgarh, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur and Datia districts come under the jurisdiction of Bundelkhand Special Package. There are 7154 villages in these districts. Following discussion on irrigation among priorities, the Chief Minister directed to give priority to animal husbandry and related activities and agro forestry. He said that horticulture is a sector which increases income at a rapid pace. He directed to launch a campaign for promoting plantation on farmers lands and simplification of procedure for cutting trees. The Chief Minister said that priority will also have to be given to goatery and fisheries.
Shri Chouhan directed to take prompt action in case projects sanctioned under Bundelkhand Special Package are delayed and hold discussions with concerning Union Ministry. He said that results also get delayed if projects are delayed. This is not good for poor farmers and their families.
Principal Secretary Planning Shri S.R. Mohanty gave a presentation on the special package and strategies. He informed that mainly activities pertaining to water resources, rural development, animal husbandry, forest, public health engineering and horticulture development are being conducted. This time, fisheries development is also being included.
It was informed at the meeting that discussions will be held with the Union Government on release of remaining 10 percent funds of the Additional Central Assistance, making provisions for increase projects’ cost and giving powers to the state to effect minor changes in workplace and inter-department change. The works that will be specially implemented during the 12th Plan in these districts will include establishment of fruit & vegetable markets, pulses extension programme, establishing farm input centres, horticulture hub and development in Chhatarpur, strengthening milk cooperative societies, construction of hatcheries and tanks for fish breeding, establishment of producer companies and groundwater conservation.
Water Resources & Environment Minister Shri Jayant Malaiya, Finance Minister Shri Raghavji, Commerce & Industries Minister Shri Kailash Vijaywargiya, Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister Dr. Ramkrishna Kusmaria, PHE & Cooperatives Minister Shri Gaurishankar Bisen, Revenue & Rehabilitation Minister Shri Karan Singh Verma, Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi, Vice-Chairman of State Palnning Commission Shri Babulal Jain, Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram and Principal Secretaries of concerning departments attended the meeting.