category Regional, shimla, , tags Regional, shimla, , DW BUREAU Shimla Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat alongwith the team of Jal Shakti Vibhag officers today at his residence in New Delhi. Mukesh Agnihotri urged upon the Union Minister to extend a generous hand towards Himachal in view of the huge natural calamity the State has faced in the recent past. He stated that the losses suffered by the State were unprecedented and its heavy brunt has been faced by the Jal Shakti Vibhag. Jal Shakti Vibhag s 11863 schemes suffered extensive damages amounting to Rs. 2132 crore and out of these 671 schemes were constructed under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) also suffered losses amounting to Rs. 614 crore. He informed the Union Minister that out of the allocation of Rs. 376 crore under JJM 25 percent i.e. approximately Rs. 96 crores would have to be spent for restoration of damaged schemes. This would result into shortfall of funds for ongoing works on JJM. Deputy Chief Minister further elaborated that as per approved Annual Action Plan 2023-24 (AAP) allocations under JJM is Rs.1274 crore, which stands curtailed to Rs. 376 crores by center government. He urged the Union Minister that keeping in view the grave situation being faced by Himachal, its Annual Action Plan be restored to Rs. 1274 crore. The Union Minister assured that he would look in the matter and consider the request of Himachal sympathetically. He further requested the Union Minister that an extension of 6 months for completion of spillover JJM schemes should be allowed to Himachal as during the last 3 months the entire focus of the Jal Shakti Vihag was towards restoration of the damaged schemes resulting in hampering the progress of ongoing works. Mukesh Agnihotri reminded the Union Minister that during his visit of Himachal, he had directed the State Government of frame Anti Freeze Water supply schemes for snowbound area of Himachal on the pattern of Leh and Ladakh. Accordingly the State Government has forwarded 27 Anti freeze proposals to the Centre for approval under JJM. Though 4 pilot proposals for Bharmour, Lahaul, Kaza and Chango (Kinnaur) have been approved, he requested the Union Minister to approve remaining 23 proposals expeditiously. The Union Minister assured that the remaining proposals would be considered on a priority basis. Issues regarding irrigation and flood were also discussed. Deputy Chief Minister stated that two proposals of Surface Minor Irrigation schemes for Beet Area Phase-II and Kutlehar constituency of District Una amounting to Rs. 118.79 crore are lying with center government and requested for their immediate approval. The Union Minister assured the same. (editor dailyworld.in)