3 irrigation schemes inaugurated in Haroli

Our Correspondent

Una, April 26

Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today inaugurated three irrigation schemes in the Haroli segment on which Rs 2.2 crore has been spent. The schemes dedicated to the farmers of Thakaran, Kuthar Beet and Makodgarh villages will collectively irrigate about 70 hectares.

Speaking on the occasion, Agnihotri said irrigation and drinking water were traditionally, the major problem areas of the Haroli segment, adding every single village had been provided with piped drinking water and irrigation facilities during the last four years.

He said a medium irrigation scheme estimated at Rs 44 crore was almost ready for commissioning, which would provide irrigation in six panchayats situated at a high altitude in the segment.

The minister said the three-day Haroli Festival, which would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on 28 April, had been declared as a district-level festival by the state government. He said besides cultural events, the festival would showcase the local art, culture, sports, cuisine and traditions.

Agnihotri said the unique feature of this year’s festivities would be the traditional giddha dance performance by over 10,000 women under the aegis of the Swan Women Federation, the largest women collective of the state, which is dedicated to the cause of women empowerment in Una district for the last many years.