WB seeks Centre's help for implementation of irrigation projects

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) The West Bengal today sought Centre's help for the speedy implementation of a number of irrigation and water development projects in the State.

These issues were discussed when the state Minister for Irrigation and Waterways Subhas Naskar and Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta called on Union Minister of Water Resources Saifuddin Soz here.

Some of the major projects and problems that came up for detailed discussion were the concrete constructions on both sides of river Baghirathi in the district of Murshidabad, the Ganga and Padma erosion problems, the extension of jurisdiction of Farakka Barrage on Ganga-Padma Main-Stem, Teesta Barrage Project and many others.

The Ministers pleaded to declare Teesta a national project.

Prof Soz assured them of full support to various river and irrigation projects, now under implementation in the State.

As for Teesta river, the Union Minister told the visiting Ministers, the Centre was considering to determine a sound criteria, declaring some rivers in the country National River Projects for conservation and overall development.

He assured that the Central assistance and cooperation would be made available, wherever required, and in an adequate measure.

UNI