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Dr. Sikandar sought information on beas and Sutlej valley affected by floods

Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sikandar Kumar today sought information from the Union Jal Shakti Minister in the Upper House of Parliament Rajya Sabha about the upper areas of Beas and Sutlej valley affected by floods and coastal erosion in Himachal Pradesh. He asked whether any funds have been provided for projects to prevent coastal erosion? Has the government taken any immediate measures to save lives in these affected areas?
In this regard, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R.Patil said that the state of Himachal Pradesh including the upper regions of Beas and Sutlej valley are prone to riverine and flash floods at various levels and coastal erosion is a natural process of the river in these areas. He further said that flood management including erosion control comes under the jurisdiction of the states and flood control and anti-erosion projects are planned and implemented by the respective states as per their priorities. He said that in the last five years, assistance of Rs 224.79 crore has been provided to the Himachal Pradesh government from the Centre.
Union Jal Shakti Minister informed that as a non structural flood measure, centre specific flood forecasts are issued to concerned stakeholders at identified river sites by Central Water Commission. At present, flood forecasts are issued by Central Water Commission at 340 centres as per standard operating procedure. This network has been established in consultation with the State Government/Project authorities. Apart from short term forecasts, 7 days advisory flood forecast is also prepared through basin specific mathematical models using IMD weather forecasting tools and satellite rainfall estimates in near real time. Central Water Commission maintains 26 hydrological observation networks in Himachal Pradesh. National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin is also issued by the Indian Meteorological Department.
Dr. Sikander Kumar raised a matter in the House regarding the present status and financial achievements of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana in Himachal Pradesh. He asked the Jal Shakti Minister whether the implementation of micro water conservation projects, especially those facing water scarcity, has brought about a change in the standard of living in Himachal Pradesh? He asked whether the Central Government has any proposal to promote water conservation in the areas facing water scarcity in Himachal Pradesh.
Responding to these questions, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary informed that Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana was launched during the year 2015-16 with the objective of increasing direct access of water to the farms under assured irrigation and expanding the cultivable area, improving water use efficiency in the farms, implementation of sustainable water conservation practices etc. He informed that Shri Renuka Ji National Project of Himachal Pradesh is being provided central assistance through the approved provisions of PMKSY-AIBP for the year 2021-26. He informed that funds have not yet been released to Himachal Pradesh under any component of PMKSY scheme in the current financial year i.e. 2024-25.
Responding to a question regarding implementation of water conservation, the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti said that water is a state subject. Implementation of micro water conservation projects in the state and assessment of their impact on living standards is the domain of the respective state governments. The role of the Government of India is limited to providing technical assistance and partial financial assistance for identified projects.
Responding to a question raised by Dr. Sikander Kumar, he said that a project has been prepared with the objective of mitigating the impact of climate change on water resources through planning, design, construction and maintenance of rain, snow water conservation system at various locations in Himachal Pradesh. This Detailed Project Report (DPR) includes provision for construction of 461 rain water harvesting structures, restoration/rehabilitation/construction of 194 ponds, 145 ice stupas, 1130 snow bridges/racks and 244 snow pits for recharge with an estimated cost of Rs. 1269.29 crore. He said that in addition to this, several initiatives have been taken by the Government of India to support the efforts of the state governments including Himachal Pradesh.
Dr Sikandar Kumar said that he is continuously raising various developmental and public interest issues related to Himachal Pradesh in the House and he expressed hope that the Central Government will definitely consider the issues raised by him and protect the interests of Himachal.

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