Adequate arrangement to tackle drinking water problem: Minister

Bhopal, Mar 9 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Public Health Engineering Minister Rampal Singh today announced in the assembly that the government will build small stop dams in order to tackle drinking water problems during summer besides digging handpumps in all villages in next two years.

Replying to the debate on demand for grants for PHE and Social Welfare departments for 2006-07, Mr Singh said closed schemes will be revived and pending works finished in scheduled time to deal with the problem.

He informed that 3,35,980 out of 3,63,328 handpumps were in working condition, while a campaign will be started within seven days to put other handpumps in order.

Stating that the government intended to build stop dams in every assembly segment with the objective of conserving and preserving ground water, he said a provision of Rs 19 crore has been made to build stop dams.

Mr Singh said arrangements for drinking water had been made in 11,977 villages, while arrangements will be made in all villages, devoid of drinking water, by 2008-09. A target has been set to ensure availability of drinking water in rural schools by 2007, while efforts will be made to revive closed water supply schemes with the help of Panchayats, who have been granted Rs 83 crore received from the 12th Finance Commission for the purpose.

He said committees will be set up at state, district and village level for implementation of schemes under the Swajal Dhara Yojana.

The government is implementing Deen Dayal Antodaya Mission Yojana with the objective of providing immediate benefit to needy persons.

Under the scheme, poor, disabled, and orphans will be benefited. The scheme will encourage community marriages of poor girls, widows and divorcees.

A provision of Rs one crore has been made under the Vivekanand Group Insurance Scheme started this year for BPL families.

During the debate, opposition members demanded setting up 50 handpumps in each assembly segment in view of drinking water problems.

Mr Sajjan Singh Verma, Mr Govind Singh (both Congress), Dr Sunilam and Mr Vanshmani Prasad (both SP), Mr Govind Singh Patel and Mr Shankarlal Tiwari (both BJP) besides about dozen other members participated in the debate.

Later, the assembly passed Rs 325.90 crore grants for the PHE department and Rs 25.12 crore grants for the Social Welfare department by a voice vote.

UNI AG-PS ARB HT2300