Arunachal: Modern irrigation project to be implemented in the village
LEDUM: An irrigation scheme under the ‘Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management’, sponsored by the union Ministry of Jal Shakti, has been approved to be implemented in Ledum village in East Siang district.
The modernised mechanical irrigation project, with an estimated cost of Rs 28 crore, will cover around 1,000 hectares of cropland at Ledum village under Bilat circle of the district. The scheme is equipped with pipe-water irrigation using a pump pressure, preventing wastage of water.
To make the farmers aware of the centrally-sponsored scheme, the Pasighat Division of the Water Resource Department (WRD) on Tuesday organised an awareness camp at Ledum village community hall, in the presence of the state nodal officer and officials of the Jal Shakti Ministry, HoDs, PRI leaders, gaon buras and local farmers.
The campaign, designed as ‘Samridhi Ki Pathsala’,featured various technical sides of the modernised irrigation system through oral presentation and screening of short videos highlighting the project’sdesign. The technical outline of the project is developed by Pune-based PMSG Engineering Services (consultant agency).
Attending the programme, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering urged the local farmers to work with unity and fulfil the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He also urged the implementing agencies to develop alternative water sources to use during the dry season.
East Siang ZPC Ruth Tabing Boko, who termed the irrigation project “beneficial” for the local farmers, asked them to adopt multiple cropping and enhance their economy.
Addressing the participants, WRD Superintending Engineer Lalit Sing Rawat said the ministry has approved two to three projects in selected states, and informed that the project set for Ledum village is the only project approved for Arunachal Pradesh.
He said the pilot project aims to increase farmers’income through double and multiple cropping. He also informed them of schematic provisions such as exposure visit, capacity building training, and financial assistance for the farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Jal Shakti Deputy Director Shubham Pachauri underscored judicious use of water in cultivation. He assured that the modern irrigation and water management system would help overcome the problems and challenges faced by the farmers.
The Central Water Commission’s Guwahati Office Assistant Director Manpal Singh in his address laid stress on “concerted efforts of the farmers in a cluster cropping area to make the modern irrigation system more effective,” while PMSG Engineering Servicesconsultant Arpit Patle delivered a presentation on the project.
Earlier, Ruksin EAC John Modi welcomed the participants on behalf of the district administration,and spoke about the importance of water for livelihood and cultivation activities.
Among others, Pasighat WRD EE Onit Panyang, Pasighat KVK scientist Dr Rakesh Salam and Water User Committee in-charge Vicky Saroh spoke on the role of the Water User Committee in the project.
