The Kandi Irrigation Lift Scheme in north Kashmir’s Handwara belt is under construction from last 20 years and it has impacted vast swathes of land that are yet to be cultivated. This is despite the availability of funds.
Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din said Kandi Irrigation Lift Scheme Handwara was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 300 lakh and a cumulative amount of Rs. 287.42 lakh stands expended up to March 2012 on construction of pump house, laying of rising mains, inlet chambers & earthen channel of scheme.
In the state legislature, it was NC versus Congress as the lawmaker seeking response to the question asked by Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan and the respondent lawmaker, Taj said four number of storage tanks stands cleared under 12th TAC in Rajwar for which proposals stands submitted for funding to Union Government, adding that DPRs for storage tanks in Kandi areas have been framed and will be placed before the 13thTAC for approval.
But the lawmaker asking question did not get convinced and said “government has released Rs 3 Crores per Kannal for the irrigation scheme but nothing has been done on ground”. He also said that all the funds required under DPR stand released.
Taj responded saying the project was stopped as the forest department is not providing them the clearance certificate. Many other members from various opposition parties reacted by saying the state government is creating problems in the schemes which were sponsored by the central government and as a result the funds allotted may collapse. But a member from PDP party categorically said, “Schemes are running but no work is happening on ground”.
The speaker supported all opposing parties asking the ruling party to get clearance from the forest department as soon as possible. Taj made a commitment that within two months all the NOC from the forest department will be secured.
The Minister also said that the funds released as additional Central Assistance (ACA) for Dangerwari Khul and Malik Khul taken under 7th TAC have been exhausted, adding that the state share of both the projects for Rs. 1.74 lakh and Rs. 0. 52 lakh have been kept under current year’s annual plan. The construction work on Chamb Khul is going in full swing and expected to be completed during current financial year.
