Himachal Deputy CM Seeks Urgent Central Aid for Flood-Hit Water Projects
In a key meeting in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri sat down with Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil to push for massive financial help. Agnihotri highlighted the whopping Rs 4,000 crore losses that the state’s Jal Shakti Vibhag has faced over the last three years due to devastating natural calamities like flash floods and heavy monsoons.
Agnihotri didn’t hold back, urging the minister to step up support for Himachal Pradesh, which has battled unprecedented disasters. He pointed out that this year’s damage alone hit Rs 1,291.51 crore for the Jal Shakti department. To get things moving, he specifically asked for Rs 1,227 crore to finish ongoing schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), India’s flagship program to provide clean drinking water to every household.
The deputy CM also called for quick release of funds based on the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). He stressed relaxing PDNA norms to speed up restoration work in flood-ravaged areas. On top of that, he pushed for priority funding for irrigation projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), which aims to boost farming through better water management.
Agnihotri shared some stark numbers: In 2023, the water supply sector lost Rs 2,132.70 crore, but Himachal has only received Rs 100 crore out of the approved Rs 697 crore from the center. "This delay is seriously slowing down our restoration efforts," he told the minister.
The meeting covered more ground. Agnihotri sought fast approval for a Rs 97.78 crore scheme to modernize command area development in Haroli Block, Una district. The minister promised to prioritize it. He also pressed for funds for 11 already approved flood protection projects, especially along riverbanks hit hardest by devastation.
In a detailed pitch, Agnihotri presented a Rs 1,795 crore project report for river channelization, backed by studies from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). He highlighted the urgent need to channelize the River Beas, given its role near the Kullu-Manali Airport and the Chandigarh-Leh National Highway. "This will keep tourists safe and ensure smooth transport of fruits and produce from Kullu and Lahaul valleys," he explained.
Minister Patil responded positively, assuring Agnihotri that he’d review all demands with sympathy and approve funds for these vital public projects soon. This comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to recover from back-to-back monsoon fury, with water infrastructure at the heart of rebuilding efforts.
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