Minister for Irrigation and Marketing T. Harish Rao in no uncertain terms has made it clear to the officials of his department that the government will not brook any kind of laxity in the execution of its tank renovation programme which it has taken up as one of its top priorities.
“We are providing all necessary facilities - including laptops, internet and vehicles to engineers. We do not want to scold them in public for publicity nor harass them with unnecessary transfers. If you work hard and complete the scheme to the satisfaction of the government and people, you would be transferred to the place of your choice next year,” he said.
Holding a review on the scheme with district-level officials, MLCs, MLCs and ZPTC members on tank renovation and revival of minor irrigation resources (Mission Kakatiya) at the Zilla Parishad here on Friday, Mr. Harish Rao appealed to the NRIs to come forward to sponsor at least one tank in their village and extend financial help for the purpose.
The government aims at renovating 46,000 tanks in the next five years at the rate of 20 per cent in each year. If they all are strengthened, 265 tmcf water could be impounded to irrigate over 26 lakh acres in the State. Listing out the advantages of tank bed soil in cultivation, he said at least 30 per cent additional yield would come if it is used and will help reduce expenditure on pesticides and fertilizer. Describing tank as cultural centre of village, he said it is an integral part of Telangana life.
There are over 3,251 tanks in the district, and of them, proposals have come for 700 tanks. To begin with, 650 tanks will be taken up and tenders finalised by the end of this month. All people, including officers and elected representatives, should participate in the launching of the programme which needs to be celebrated as a festival, he said.
Minister for Agriculture Pocharam Srinivas Reddy wanted the officials to prepare ‘soil health card’ of each tank and display the details on a board on tank bunds.
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated Mahila Rythu Rest House, electronic trading system and RO water plant and a roof-shed at the marketyard.
Member of Parliament K. Kavitha, Collector Ronald Ross, MLAs and MLCs were present.
