Nagpur: While expressing his displeasure against the court’s verdict to cancelling cricket matches in Maharashtra, Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari said that cancelling cricket matches in Maharashtra once in a while will not end water problems. 20 irrigation projects of Maharashtra have been included in Central Government’s Irrigation Schemes. This will ensure that nearly 25 lakh hectares of land will get irrigated.
While addressing a programme held last week, Nitin Gadkari said that if all the decisions are taken by the courts, what is our (government’s) role? Two days ago, during the hearing on a petition, the Court observed that in the absence of a minister, an OSD of the government takes decisions.
Gadkari added that Rs 80,000 crores have been sanctioned under the Central Governments Irrigation Schemes and Rs 20,000 crores have been sanctioned from the Prime Minister’s fund provisions have been made for the completion of irrigation projects in Maharashtra. Gadkari claimed that Ghosikhurd Project of Vidarbha is included in the selected 20 irrigation projects to get financial aid from Central Government’s Irrigation Schemes.
Nitin Gadkari also claimed that he will personally speak to Cabinet Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti to provide more grants and funds to help Maharashtra emerge out from the droughts.
Maharashtra stands second from bottom in irrigation. The total irrigated land in Maharashtra is 18.7%. The problem of water exists in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana along with Maharshtra.
The problem of water shortage in all these states has been brought to the notice of Central Government.
Bridge-cum-dams
The government has constructed a dam under the bridge made over Dariyapur river. If this concept becomes successful, it will be implemented even in Maharashtra. This concept will help in stopping three meters of water.
A rubber dam has been constructed in Vishakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh. This concept too is under consideration and discussions on to implement it in Maharashtra. Till date, there have been measures taken to stop water by building dams on small rivers in Maharashtra and other states. This is causing many states to face drought in-spite of having water.
Water-grid
Just like power grids, there is a plan mooted to build a water-grid. Work is on in 5 rivers to make water-ways. Plans are on to make water-ways on 111 rivers. This will not only help in transporting people and goods, water will also be there throughout the year. This will also ensure water for agriculture.
By Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha (rajeev.nagpurtoday@gmail.com)
