The state agricultural department, despite the break in monsoon, has started planning for schemes that would be implemented after the season is over. The soil conservation and watershed management department is expecting Rs 195 crore funding from the state government for development of watersheds.
D.S. Vyawahare, director of the department, said, "The funds from the state are expected to be released soon. Generally, the work starts late in monsoon, as such watersheds are weak and heavy rains often damage such structures."
Watershed projects are the small-time constructions, which are meant to block water from flowing away.
Currently, there are 27,000 watersheds developed in the state, of which 9,000 have been completed. The rest could not be completed due to lack of funds, said Vyawahare. "Under the accelerated watershed development programme (AWDP), the partly completed watersheds would be developed to block water for the winters. The government has decided to complete the projects which are 75 per cent constructed. Such watersheds will get funds from the agriculture department."
"Such watersheds are the need of the hour. Even after constructing so many dams and canals, only 16.15 per cent of the total 175 lakh hectare is irrigated. Rest is still rainfed hence, such watersheds offer a solution for more than the monsoon season. Villages adapting sprinklers, drip irrigation systems will get priority from the state government while developing such watershed programmes," Vyawahare said.TNN
