Khattar directs officials to conduct survey for construction

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today directed the concerned officers to conduct a survey for construction of mini-dams in Shivalik area to ensure maximum storage of water.
Khattar, who was presiding over a review meeting on water storage structures in Shivalik area here, underscored the need to construct more mini-dams in the area.
He said that during rainy season, a huge quantity of water gets wasted in Shivalik hills of Panchkula, Yamunanagar and Ambala districts.
"Although small check-dams have been constructed for storage of water by Forest, Agriculture and Irrigation departments, yet more mini-dams should be constructed wherever required, so as to meet the demand of drinking water, irrigation purposes and recharge of groundwater," an official release quoted Khattar as saying.

The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to conduct a survey for construction of mini-dams in Shivalik area to ensure maximum storage of water, the release said.
These dams could prove beneficial for Haryana, Khattar said.

He said that in case they find that such dams could be constructed in the adjoining state of Himachal Pradesh, this matter could be taken up with the government of that state.
"Also, if necessary, the forest area of adjoining Himachal Pradesh could be utilised for storage of water," Khattar said, adding that he has already spoken to his HP counterpart Virbhadra Singh who, in turn, has assured cooperation for the same.

He also suggested that while constructing such dams, opinion of Sarpanches and other representatives of adjoining villages might also be taken.
The Chief Minister directed the officers to explore the possibility of constructing such mini-dams in Morni area of Panchkula district.
"This would not only provide adequate water for the people of the area but would also promote tourism," he said.
Principal Secretary, Forest, Amit Jha said that about 20 years back, 234 mini dams were constructed at a cost of Rs 61 crore for storage of water in Shivalik area. Out of the total, 142 mini dams were built in Panchkula, 82 in Yamunanagar and 10 in Ambala. Now, the department has identified 125 new sites for construction of similar dams.