Capt Amarinder gives nod to state's concurrence for central scheme to tackle ground water crisis

Chandigarh, Aug 18 :  Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today initiated the process of implementation of the Centre’s Incentivisation Scheme for Bridging Irrigation Gap, while giving in-principle approval to the establishment of a Ground Water Authority to tackle the state’s ground water crisis. Chairing a high-level meeting to review the ground water situation and discuss the implementation of the central scheme, the Chief Minister gave his concurrence for the state’s share of 40 per cent, amounting to Rs 3448.00 crore against the total project cost of Rs 8,658.00 crore for Punjab. He directed the officials concerned to immediately send the state’s concurrence to the Ministry of Water Resources. He also approved the formation of a committee of four secretaries, headed by Financial Commissioner Rural Development, M P Singh, to make a detailed project for ISBIG. The Chief Minister also ordered the formulation of a comprehensive policy through coordinated efforts of various departments handling the subject, an official spokesperson said after the meeting. Giving details of the central scheme, the spokesperson said it envisages the funding of 60:40 (Centre:State) at aggregate level for non-special states. However, the central assistance can go up to to 70 per cent if the project meets the performance criteria of timely completion, increased water use efficiency to the optimum level, and successful project implementation management. UNI