LUCKNOW: The Jal Shakti ministry is spearheading the water conservation programmes in Uttar Pradesh. Speaking to Neha Shukla, state jal shakti minister Mahendra Singh shared the progress of key schemes and the future roadmap for water rejuvenation. Excerpts:
What are the achievements of Jal Shakti ministry in UP?
We have increased the irrigated land to 11 lakh hectares and will further increase it to 25 lakh hectares. Saryu canal project, Arjun Sahayak irrigation project and Madhya Ganga project will start soon and change the lives of farmers. We have completed 22 out of 46 projects under the Namami Gange programme. PM Kisan Sinchai Yojana is already ushering in a change.
What has been the progress of Har Ghar Jal Yojana?
All villages in Bundelkhand and Vindhyachal regions will get piped water supply by 2022 whereas all remaining villages in the state will be covered by 2023. There are many firsts that we have implemented under the scheme, like solar powered water pumps to fill water tanks. The company roped in for constructing the infrastructure for the scheme will also maintain it for 10 years. There will be a system to know which houses did not get the water supply.
What steps have been taken to check waterlogging?
We are working towards improving the drainage network in the state.
Groundwater level is receding in urban areas. What measures are in place to check this?
Rooftop rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory for anyone using submersible pumps. We will also get a rainwater harvesting system installed in parks under the nagar nigam.
Are farmers are not required to take NOC for use of groundwater?
We have kept farmers out of it for now but are encouraging them to make use of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging.
