CM rues delay in grants for Swan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 25

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today expressed concern over the inordinate delay in grant of Central assistance for channelization of the ambitious Swan channelisation project in Una district.

The Chief Minister today presided over the governing body meeting of Swan River Channelization Authority here today. “The Union Ministry for Water Resources had cleared a project of about Rs 922.485 crore for the channelization of all tributaries of the Swan river. The project was funded under 70:30 scheme. As per agreement, the Union Ministry was to contribute 70 per cent to the project while 30 per cent share was of the state government,” he stated.

He lamented that without availability of funds, the already completed work of Swan could get damaged during floods if the embankments are not constructed. He directed the authorities to write a letter to the Prime Minister of India with all details and in reference to the agreement for releasing the Central share.

“The state government has contributed more than 30 per cent of its share and I along with my Secretary have requested the Centre 11 times since August, 2015 to release the money,” said officials. The state government by taking loan from NABARD and from its own resources has incurred an expenditure of Rs 276 crore till March 2017.