Ponds Development Authority to be set up: Baliyan

Union minister Sanjeev Baliyan has said the government has decided to set up Ponds Development Authority as he stressed on the need for water harvesting to maintain water levels.
The Union minister of state for water resources made the announcement at a Kisan Jan Kalyan meeting in Javara village yesterday.
"In order to maintain a balance between the water discharged and that stored in the ground, the Centre has decided to establish 'Talaab Vikas Pradhikaran' (ponds development authority)," he said.
"Water level will not improve, unless the water harvesting system is practised in letter and spirit," he said, assuring farmers that their land would not be forcibly acquired.

He also advised them to switch to innovative farming techniques in place of traditional farming, as the state government was providing subsidy up to 80 per cent on it.
The minster claimed that the setting up of potato purchase centres in the state showed that the state government was pro-farmer.

He said he knew where the shoes of a farmer pinched as he was one himself, assuring them that the loan waiver process would start shortly.
He also asked corrupt officers to mend their ways, failing which they would not only lose their jobs but also be put behind bars.

"There has been a change in the attitude of leaders, however, the attitude of officers has not changed," he said.
According to Baliyan, a report for removing Naujhil block from the "dark zone" had been sent to the state government and the process of providing power connection in the area would start within a month.
Addressing the gathering, politician-turned-actress Hema Malini claimed that the maximum work from the MP fund has been done in Mant assembly constituency.
"Reverse osmosis plants have been installed in a few areas and work is on for installing more plants," she said.