Haq expresses dismay over sluggish performance under IWMP

Minister for Rural Development Abdul Haq Khan chairing a meeting at Jammu on Tuesday.
Minister for Rural Development Abdul Haq Khan chairing a meeting at Jammu on Tuesday.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 28: Expressing dismay over poor performance in the implementation of IWMP works, Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Khan today took serious note of the less important works taken up under the program.
While reviewing the progress of IWMP works in Jammu division, Minister observed that many works have been taken up or completed that are either not mandated under the program or are not so important works. He also ordered initiation of action against the non-performing officers.
Abdul Haq said aim of IWMP is to save every drop of water that falls on earth and increase the availability of surface water & groundwater. He said under the program, only those works that can fulfill the aim of the program need to be executed on ground. He said the department will make short term missions to reach to the larger goal and hence the works will be prioritized   according to needs. He said there is huge capacity of building irrigation dams in mountainous terrains of the State which can be used to tap flowing water and channelized for irrigation as well as drinking purpose.
He said for the purpose Government has appointed experts in every district who can suggest the works to be executed for conservation of water in that particular area. He said the existence of the program serves no purpose if similar works are being executed which are being executed by other departments including under MGNREGA.
The Minister said the IWMP should not be confused with MGNREGA as the aim of MGNREGA is to provide jobs while the primary purpose of IWMP is to conserve soil and water and directed the officials to make use of scheme effectively so that water is conserved for present as well as future generation.
While calling for performance check of the field staff and experts, Minister said action will be taken against non-performing officials and he will not hesitate in terminating the services of such officials.
While calling for officers to change the style of working, Minister said he will again review the works on ground after a month and will personally visit the districts to inspect the works being executed under IWMP.
Minister asked the officials to lay stress on water conservation by constructing water harvesting tanks and small dams in upper belts of villages to tap water for future use besides construction of check dams and percolation tanks. He said in convergence mode with various other department consolidation of works can be done hence avoiding repetition of works as the similar works are done under MGNREGA, Irrigation, IWMP and Agriculture Department.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here