CM lays foundation for Balh Valley Irrigation scheme

Mandi, Jan 14 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today laid foundation stone for Balh Valley Left Bank Medium Irrigation Scheme estimated to cost Rs 62.25 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Balh Valley Left Bank Medium Irrigation Scheme would irrigate additional 2780 hectares of farm land of 67 villages in 17 gram panchayats.

''Rs 12.02 crore had already been spent over the first phase of Balh Valley Medium Irrigation Scheme, providing irrigation facility to 2410 hectares of farm land in the valley,'' he said.

He further said the completion of the Left Bank Scheme, 5190 hectares of fertile land of the area would get irrigation facilities.

''To meet the requirements, a minimum of 14.75 cusec and maximum of 29 cusec water would be drawn from the BBMB canal, one cusec from Suketi khad and 7.08 cusec would be made available by boring 18 tubewells'' he said.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal also said state government was considering to set up a cement plant near Sundernagar.

He said ecological safeguards, creation of employment and self-employment avenues for people of the area would be taken into consideration.

UNI XC JN SP GC2012