Harish Seeks Central Aid of Rs. 112 cr for Devadula Project.

Irrigation minister T Harish Rao urged Union Water Resources minister Uma Bharti to release Rs. 112 crore for Telangana to take up Devadula irrigation project, which has been selected under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP).

Participating in the first meeting of the National Water Resources Coordination Committee in Delhi recently, Harish Rao wanted the Centre to support the State to get sufficient funds from NABARD for the construction of irrigation projects.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Harish Rao said Uma Bharti has responded positively to the demands of the State.

Harish Rao said that he wanted Uma Bharti to release 50 pc of the funds required for state projects before April. The remaining 50 pc should be released by October, so the State could achieve its target.

Harish Rao said they discussed the progress of around 47 irrigation projects across the country which would be completed by 2017.

The minister also suggested Uma Bharti to strengthen the structure of Central Water Commission (CWC). He suggested to conduct video conferences with states every month. The states which completed irrigation projects in time should be given incentives, Harish demanded.


THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS