12 projects costing Rs 130 crore approved

Srinagar, Apr 10: Under Command Area Development and Water Management Programme 12 projects, costing Rs 130 crore, have been approved for the Kashmir division which will provide irrigation facilities to 50 thousand hectares in the valley.

An official spokesman said out of this the work on two such projects is being started shortly at Khemil Nalla Kupwara and Arim Nalla Bandipora in north Kashmir at a cost of Rs 34 crores.

Besides the lower Jehlum and Rafiabad projects in Baramulla district, under construction at a cost of Rs. 21.07 cores, would be completed in next two years which will provide irrigation facilities to over 8100 hectares.

Spokesman said this information was given by the Director Command area Kashmir Dr G M Shah to joint commissioner Ministry of water resources government of India Mr Timburney during his visit to various projects under construction through command area development.

He also visited Zaingeer Project and conducted inspections on various works including construction of pond at Warpora, field channels, and water distributions rates.

Spokesman said Mr Timburney was told that the Zaingeer project will cost Rs 14 crores and would provide irrigation facility to 5100 hectares of land in the area.

He was further told that the department has covered 7000 hectares of land during last financial year.

UNI