Centre wants large flood control proposals from State

The Pioneer, May 13, 2010
Pioneer News Service, Bhubaneswar

In a meeting with Union Minister for Water Resources Pawan Kumar Bansal in New Delhi on Wednesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik discussed various proposals relating to development of water resources in the State.

Patnaik informed the Union Minister that Odisha, during the recent years, has made serious efforts for enhancing irrigation potential and controlling floods. He pointed out that recurrent floods and drought occurring in the State almost every year, cause heavy losses and seriously dent the ongoing development process.

Patnaik appreciated the support extended by the Union Ministry for various ongoing schemes like the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Flood Management Programme and Minor Irrigation Projects and stressed that increased resources for strengthening the irrigation system needs substantial network and flood control measures.

The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to expedite sanction in respect of the technical clearance for the left canal system of the Upper Indravati Project and Brahmani Birupa Kelua Doab Project pending the environmental clearance by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Bansal appreciated the progress achieved by the State under the ongoing Centrally-sponsored irrigation and flood control programmes and assured that the proposals of the State would be considered and approved on priority.

The Union Minister for Water Resources advised the State to take full advantage of the Flood Management Programme by formulating large project proposals on an integrated basis and make adequate provision in the State Budget during 2010-11 to take up new Minor Irrigation Projects.