Digital record of natural water sources to be prepared: Dy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today said that a digital record of all water bodies and natural water sources in the state would be prepared to make a blueprint for their conservation and development. He presided over a meeting on striking a balance between the withdrawal of groundwater and its recharge in Una.

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Agnihotri, who also holds the charge of the Jal Shakti Department, said that the drive would be initiated from Una and besides all ponds in the district, a detailed count of new and old dams, wells, step-wells, reservoirs and lakes would be done and their record would be digitised. He added that the District Rural Development Agency would be the nodal agency for this work and water structures would be classified on the basis of their size, water storage capacity and other parameters, including whether these were natural or man made.

He said that the initiative would be important in ensuring water conservation for the coming generations and sustainable development of water resources. He directed the district administration to pay special attention to the construction of water structures for wild animals and birds. He added that the possibility of creating infrastructure for migratory birds in the district should also be explored.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed the Una administration to ensure the protection of the water bodies which had historical, cultural or ecological importance, and revenue officers should ensure that the water bodies or dilapidated ponds were not encroached upon or levelled. He stressed the need for rejuvenating dying water sources.

Agnihotri said, "The Swan finds a reference in ancient Indian scriptures as Sombhadra river. The district administration should create ghats at appropriate places on the banks of the river so that it can be developed as a religious tourist spot on the pattern of other sacred rivers."

The Deputy Chief Minister gave a target of developing at least five ‘A’ class and 10 ‘B’ class ponds in each of the five Assembly segments in Una district. He directed the Block Development Officers to develop these ponds as clean water bodies and undertake their beautification, illumination and fencing of the periphery with walking tracks. He asked the District Rural Development Agency to explore the possibility of creating a swimming pool infrastructure in rural areas so that the youth could develop relevant skills.