Multi-crore project for embankment of rivers in Punjab

Chandigarh, Feb 4 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister ParkashSingh Badal today approved a multi-crore project forembankment of rivers at critical points in the state.

A decision to this effect was taken by Badal in ameeting of the Deputy Commissioners here.

Badal asked the irrigation department to work out themodalities to initiate the Rs 196-crore by March 2011, anofficial spokesperson said.

He directed both the Chief Engineers of Canal andDrainage to complete all ongoing works of cleaning of canalsand drains in a stipulated time frame to ensure uninterruptedirrigation water supply at the tail ends.

Chief Engineer Canals AS Dullat apprised Badal thatwork of cleaning of 1822 km canals had been completed tillJanuary 2011 and remaining 3462 km canals would be completedby March 2011, while Chief Engineer Drainage Vinod Chaudharysaid cleaning of 597 km water logged drains was in full swingat a cost of Rs 6.17 crore and would be completed by midMarch, he said.

The chief minister also announced creation of a corpusfund of Rs three crore for three Dashmesh schools at TalwandiSabo (in Bathinda District), Badal (in Muktsar District) andKotela Sultan (in Amritsar District), the spokesperson said.

He said that Badal approved a grant of Rs 35 lakh foreach school to improve infrastructure and carry out otherdevelopment works.