Telangana Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao today said lakes restoration program will begin on a war-footing from December this year with active participation of farmers, people and NGOs at rural level.
Talking to mediapersons at Secretariat here, Harish Rao said of 45,000 lakes in the State efforts are being made to restore 9000 lakes this phase to ensure irrigation waters at selected rural areas. Besides, taking up a big campaign through media and wall writings and use of art forms for creation of awareness, he exuded confidence that lakes will get abundant water to boost farm sector by next May. He said it was decided to involve actively schools and colleges to conduct essay writing competitions on the need for lakes restoration.
“Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has given a nod to equip irrigation officials by filling and deputing high level staff with laptops and other equipment to speed up restoration works. Every lake will be transformed into a mini tank bund by calling separate tenders and allocate it to a single contractor. Transparency will be maintained on lakes restoration and the government will allot adequate staff”, he said, adding that two Superintending Engineers will monitor minor irrigation, one Assistant Engineer at mandal level and adequate staff at all levels. (NSS)
