Delegation of MLAs meets Mah Governor

Mumbai, Aug 22 (UNI) A 10-member all-party delegation of legislators from Raigad district met the Governor of Maharashtra S C Jamir at Raj Bhavan here yesterday.

The delegation, led by Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Sunil Tatkare, informed the Governor that as per the Report of the Indicators and Backlog Committee, there was no irrigation backlog in Raigad district. But, there are restrictions on taking up new irrigation projects in the district, where there is no backlog in irrigation sector, as per the directives issued by the Governor under Article 371(2).

The delegation, therefore, requested the Governor to remove the present restrictions on taking up new irrigation projects in the district.

The delegation pointed out that a large quantum of irrigation water from Raigad district is now being utilized for meeting the requirements of industries and households in Navi Mumbai, Raigad and Mumbai city. Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, the area under irrigation in the district had reduced considerably.

There is, therefore, an urgent need to take up seven medium and 70 minor irrigation projects in the district. However, in almost all cases, clearance of forest land is required and hence the projects cannot take off unless administrative approval is granted.

The delegation requested the Governor to direct the government to accord administrative approval to the projects and to make budgetary provisions for the same, so that there will be sufficient projects on shelf, which could start once the backlog is removed in 2010.

Mr Jamir appreciated the concern shown by members of the delegation and assured that he will obtain the opinion of the Irrigation Department in the matter, an official release said here today.

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