Hyderabad, July 30: The government has evolved plans to bring under irrigation 10 lakh acres under Indira Jala Prabha programme at an estimated cost of Rs 1600 crore.
This is another novel scheme introduced by Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy at a high level review meeting chaired by him at the Secretariat on Saturday.
Once the land irrigated as designed providing all the facilities to the farmers, the production would be huge, said Rural Development Minister Dokka Manikya Varaprasad Rao to media persons here, briefing about the outcome of the review meeting.
Mr Varaprasad Rao also gave other details about the scheme, saying that the Chief Minister is expected to start the programme on October 2. However, the venue for the inaugural function is yet to be decided, the Minister revealed.
The Legislators will also simultaneously start the programme in their respective constituencies.
District-wise, the farmers have been identified and over 10 lakh families would receive the benefit. Committees of farmers would be formed and they would look after the maintenance of the bore-wells, power supply position to the bore wells etc, the Minister informed.
Fielding a question, the Minister clarified that there would be a tie-up with the Power Generation department to facilitate supply as required to the bore-wells. Mr Varaprasad Rao ruled out any problems in respect of power supply.
The NABARD and NREGS will fund the scheme in equal ratio.
This apart, one lakh SC/ST persons would be identified under Indira Kranthi Pathakam for various works and Rs 150 crore has been allotted by the Chief Minister, revealed the Minister.(INN)