Himachal seeks extension of World Bank's watershed project

After the resounding success of the World Bank-aided Mid Himalaya Watershed Development Project in Himachal Pradesh, the state Thursday sought its extension in other rural areas.

Raising the issue at a meeting with project chairman Norman Piccioni here, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Forest) Rajesh Dharmani sought its extension in other areas too, so that the socio-economic condition of the farmers could be improved.

He requested for making special provision for ensuring the participation of panchayati raj institutions and local communities in the next phase of the project.

Dharmani also suggested to make a special provision under the project for providing fodder to the livestock of the farmers.

Piccioni lauded the role of the forest department for successfully implementing this project in the state which had emerged as role model for other states.

Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri Wednesday said that a nine percent increase has been registered in the average income of families living in the state's rural areas after the project's implementation.