One lakh farm ponds to be constructed in MP: Chouhan

Bhopal, May 12 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said one lakh farm ponds will be constructed with the help of peasants in the state.

After taking oath as a legislator in the Vidhan Sabha, Mr Chouhan told reporters here that SC, ST farmers will be provided 100 per cent grant under the scheme, while agriculturists from other sections will get 50 per cent grant.

Describing 'bijli, sadak aur pani (power, road and water)' as the state government's top priority, he said the government was trying to purchase power from every available source.

The Chief Minister said power situation will improve considerably by 2007.

On speculation that her wife will contest the by-election from the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat, which fell vacant after his resignation, Mr Chouhan said the party will decide about the candidate.

On whether cabinet expansion was around the corner, he said there were no such plans in near future.

Regarding water scarcity in some parts of the state, Mr Chouhan said besides providing relief from the Water Relief Fund, water availability will be ensured through transportation in affected areas.

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