Srikakulam district is lagging in achieving the government targets over Neeru-Pragati (water conservation programme) scheme in spite of allocation of huge funds for renovation of tanks, construction of farm ponds and development of avenue and horticulture plantation.
District Collector K. Dhanunjaya Reddy has reportedly expressed unhappiness over the poor performance in many areas, including Palasa-Sithampet. According to sources, many departments, including the Irrigation Department, failed to take up many works given in the last financial year 2016-17. Only 594 works were taken up out of 1,700 identified works under the programme. With the constant follow up from senior officials, the pending works are being taken up this year.
Around 600 works have been in progress and 500 are yet to be taken up. The government has also identified new works for the current financial year. A total of 2,238 works have to be taken up this year to ensure irrigation facility to many rain-fed areas of the district.
The government allocated around ₹622 crore for the revival of old tanks and construction of farm-ponds. It has also decided to construct 5,000 borewells by June 2018 in the district under the scheme. “The officials should complete Neeru-Pragati works by July 15 since the government monitors the works regularly. The senior officers should identify the practical difficulties and come out with an action plan to overcome them,” Mr. Dhanunjaya Reddy said.
Wide publicity
Project Director of Srikakulam District Water Management Agency (DWMA) H. Kurma Rao has directed the field officers to give wide publicity on the benefits of farm-ponds which could improve groundwater level in the fields. He said more awareness was needed among the farmers about the farm-pond scheme which would ensure water facility throughout the year.
“The scheme is really a boon for the farmers. With the relaxation of norms, even small and medium farmers can utilise the scheme. The government provides huge subsidy to the farmers who would come forward to construct them in their agriculture fields,” he added.
