Maha Cabinet approves evaluation of soil, water consvn schemes

The water conservation department was first carved out in 1992 and included in the rural development ministry to carry out different developmental works.

The evaluation and self regulation was necessary to rectify loopholes and lacunae in the policies so that they can be corrected on time.

The cabinet cleared an expenditure of Rs 2.30 crore for the evaluation programme, which will be done through Yashada, NABARD, agriculture universities and Tata consultancy.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved an additional fund of Rs 22 crore for Jalna and Ambad towns in Marathwada to complete the drinking water supply scheme from the Jaikwadi dam. With the completion of the water supply scheme, the two towns will get 35 MLD additional water from the dam.

The original cost of the scheme was Rs 182 crore which escalated to Rs 204 crore. It was decided to form a special water utility company which will include both civic bodies and the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP).

The distance between Jaikwadi and Jalna-Ambad is about 150 km. "The water charges come to around Rs 600 per family per month for the long distance water supply schemes. Such schemes should be funded by the government. A policy in this regard will be decided in ten days," government officials said.