Implement mega recharge scheme instead of Chinch project: Chitnis

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Bhopal, Sep 11 (UNI) Ahead of meeting of Water Resource Ministers of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in Mumbai tomorrow, state BJP legislator and former minister Archana Chitnis today said emphasis must be laid on the implementation of the proposed mega recharge scheme on the Tapti river.

''The Maharashtra Government is in favour of implementing the proposed Chinch ghat scheme, which was not in the welfare of both the states. On the other hand, mega recharge scheme would benefit both states,'' Ms Chitnis told reporters here today.

The former minister, who is a legislator from Nepanagar in Burhanpur district adjoining Maharashtra, said she had discussion with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Water Resource Minister Anup Mishra in this regard. She submitted a memorandum to the latter today.

She claimed that the Central Ground Water Board had also opined in the favour of the scheme following a survey.

Under the scheme, only 1,300 hectare land will come under submergence zone and no village will be submerged. However, the Chinch project will affect 43 villages, as 9,000 hectare land will come under submergence zone.

The Tapti project was proposed under an agreement between the two states in 1964. In 1978, the then Chief Minister Virendra Kumar Saklecha and his Maharashtra counterpart Sharad Pawar had performed 'Bhoomi Poojan' at the project site. However, the scheme was not implemented due to apathetic approach.

Ms Chitnis claimed that the mega recharge scheme could be completed in three-four years and people could start benefiting from it. The scheme will help increase groundwater level in Burhanpur, where it has hit a low of 700-800 feet.

Replying to a question, she said being a representative of people, she would not hesitate to launch an agitation if the mega recharge scheme was not properly implemented.

UNI PKJ-PS 1833

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