Central funds for HP rural water supply programme

New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 18.67 lakh to Himachal Pradesh as first instalment of the total allocation of Rs 56.00 Lakh under the Centrally sponsored Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme-Desert Development Programme (ARWSP-DDP) Areas of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, for 2007-08.

Up to 15 per cent of funds released may be utilised for Operation and Maintenance and up to 5 per cent of funds may be spent for taking sustainability measures. States have been requested to delegate powers for management of Rural Water Supply Schemes through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Operation and Maintenance of the completed RWS Scheme would be transferred to the PRIs.

No expenditure will be incurred on tackling water quality problems from the present release, as there is a separate allocation for the purpose.

This release is being made for execution/completion of schemes to provide safe drinking water facilities to rural habitations and schools under the Centrally Sponsored ARWSP.

Priorities set in ARWSP-DDP guidelines and through other instructions issued from time to time will be followed for coverage of rural habitations and rural schools, an official said.

UNI