Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti today pitched for speedy implementation of projects under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKYS) and directed formation of a team of Centre and states to work out mechanism to achieve the goal.
The Government has short listed 46 projects under the PMKYS, launched last year with an aim to improve farm productivity. It has set a target of completing 23 of the projects by 2017 and the rest by 2020 with the help of states.
Speaking during inaugural session of two-day 'Jal Manthan 2' conference here, Bharti said the Government is keen on completing the projects on time and assured states co-operation in attaining the timelines.
"I have asked special secretary (Union Water Resources Ministry) to form a team of state ministers and officials and submit a report within 15 days on mechanism and way to meet the target.
"I will discuss the report with the PMO as it is an ambitious programme of the Prime Minister. I will speak to PMO, Finance ministry, NITI Ayog," Bharti said.
Among other, objectives of PMKSY are to attract investments in irrigation system at field level, develop and expand cultivable land in the country by implementing technologies which save water.
The scheme has an outlay of Rs 50,000 crore to be utilised over a period of five years (between 2015-16 and 2019-20).
Bharti informed the attendees, who included water resources and irrigation ministers and senior officials from states, that the Centre is trying to fast-track river-linking projects and asked them to also focus on discussing issues like ground water recharge during the conference.
The Minister called for public participation in Government's water conservation initiatives.
Bharti also underscored the need for developing irrigated areas into tourist spots, a move, she said, will help generate jobs to locals.
Union Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat, state ministers from Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim -- T Harish Rao, Surendra Singh Patel and SN Poudyal respectively - also addressed the session.
Themed as 'Integrated Approach for Sustainable Water Management', the conference will have consultations and discussions on river basin approach for sustainable development, ground water, principles of allocation of water, innovation in water governance, its management, co-ordination between Centre and states and need for a national legislation on water.
