Shillong, Feb 03: The Meghalaya State Planning Board – Working Group -5 met today in Yojana Bhavan, Main Secretariat to review the implementation and achievement of Plan Schemes under Water Resources, Irrigation & Flood Control (including Major, Minor & Command Area Development ) Departments.
During the review chaired by Mr John F Kharshiing, Co-Chairman, MSPB, and assisted by Mr Grithalson Arengh, Dy Chairman, MSPB, it was observed that presently as per completed schemes as on March 2103, the Irrigation Potential created was a total of 41,449 Ha. (Hectares) while on the other hand as per preliminary reports from the Water Resources Department, Meghalaya State has an Irrigation potential of 2.1 Lakh Ha.(Hectare). The present Irrigation Potential created so far is 19%.
A power point presentation on the fifth draft water policy was presented by the Water Resources Department. The Water Resources Department informed that they have sent copies of the same to the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and were awaiting for their views.
It was resolved in the meeting that the Water Resources Department should interact with NEHU (Geography) Department to discuss and share information as it is learnt that they have compiled a number of reports on water resources which will be most beneficial for the department.
The Co-Chairman, suggested that the State Planning Board together with the Water Resources Department could conduct a number of Awareness Programs in addition to meeting separately with the respective three Autonomous District Councils, Traditional Institutions, NGOs and Civil Society, to discuss the Water Policy. The present shortage of manpower by Water Resources was also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Mrs HK Marak, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, SPB, Mr P Lyngwa, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, Mr MM Sun, Secretary, PWD (R&B), Addl Chief Engineer’s including officer from the State Planning Board.(SP News)
