Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today laid the foundation stone of Rs 922.49 crore Swan River Flood Management Project at Kangar in Una district envisaging channelisation of all streams of the river from Santokhgarh bridge to Daulatpur bridge up to Gagret.
Under the 4th phase of the project 11 kms area of Swan river from Daulatpur bridge to Gagret bridge will be channelised and channelisation of all 73 tributaries of the river from Daulatpur to Santokhgarh bridge would also be taken up.
Addressing a gathering at Kangar, Singh said that with the channelisation of Swan river, known as "river of sorrows" and all its tributaries, the people would no more be exposed to fury of Swan river and an era of prosperity would usher in.
The project would benefit about 2.36 lakh population of 165 village and 7,163.40 hectare barren land would be reclaimed. In all 387.58 kms area would be channelised, including 1,200 km watershed area.
The previous BJP government inaugurated the half completed phase-2 of the project and laid the foundation stone of third phase without making budgetary provisions and sending detailed project report to the government of India, he said.
The present state government has sanctioned Rs 100 crore as state's share for the 4th phase of the project while detailed project report would be made for third phase and funds would be provided by the state government, he said.
Chief Minister said that effective steps were being taken to check illegal mining in the state as it was affecting irrigation, water supply schemes and pillars of bridges besides environment.
"Those found guilty would be strictly dealt with and their trucks/machines would be confiscated besides cancelling their licenses", he warned and appealed the people to cooperate in keeping the mining mafia at bay.
