New Delhi [India], July 1 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said the state government is taking firm and determined steps to strengthen irrigation and water infrastructure. As part of this initiative, five major projects under the Irrigation and Water Resources Department are being implemented, each with an investment exceeding INR 100 crore.

These projects aim to enhance water conservation and improve irrigation efficiency, he said.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while presiding over a review meeting of key projects under the Irrigation and Water Resources Department held in the capital.

Issuing strict directions, Saini said there must be no unnecessary delay in preparing engineering drawings, as delays in drawing approvals hinder project implementation.

He warned that strict action would be taken against officers responsible for such delays and directed that special attention be paid to maintaining quality, adding that no compromise would be tolerated.

The Chief Minister said, 'A new parallel lined channel (PLC) from Dadupur to Hamida Head and the modernisation of the WJC is being carried out with an investment of INR 274.87 crore. The objective of this project is to reduce seepage losses from the Hathnikund Barrage during the non-monsoon period.'

He added that 64.5 percent of the work had been completed, with a target to finish by March 2026.

Saini further said that the reconstruction of the augmentation canal up to the WJC Branch (75.25 km) is being undertaken at a cost of INR 383 crore, with 80 percent of the work completed and expected to conclude by June 2025. Similarly, the lining and remodeling of the PD Branch (from Munak to Khubru Head) is underway at a cost of INR 197.80 crore, which includes concrete lining over 145.25 kilometres.

He said that the structural safety project involving the construction of a diaphragm wall downstream of the Hathnikund Barrage, with an investment of INR 145.99 crore, is progressing well.

To supply water to the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant under the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (NPCIL), an RCC barrel and link channel are being constructed at a cost of INR 442.64 crore, with most of the work already completed, the Chief Minister added.

He said the Irrigation Department has also prepared short-term strategies for Monsoon 2025 to ensure uninterrupted water supply and protect infrastructure during the season. These include temporary protective works at the Hathnikund Barrage and measures to maximise discharge capacity in critical canals.

Saini reiterated the Haryana Government’s commitment to the timely implementation of these mega projects, which are essential for water security and agricultural sustainability in the state. He said continuous monitoring, inter-departmental coordination, and stakeholder engagement are being prioritised to overcome challenges and expedite execution.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Commissioner and Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department Mohammed Shayin, EIC Satbir Kadian, and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.

(ANI)