Nanded, Jun 27 : Underlining the contribution of Late Dr Shankarrao Chavan’s in irrigation development of Maharashtra funds will be made available for the memorial of Dr Shankarrao Chavan at Vishnupuri as required, announced Minister of State for Water Resources and Catchment Areas Development Jayant Patil, today.

He also said that the Jal Bhushan Award will also be given in the name Dr Chavan on July 14 every year after completing all the prerequisites at the government level.

He spoke after taking a review of irrigation projects and water management in the district, late in the evening of Saturday.

The audit meeting was held at Shankarrao Chavan District Planning Bhavan. It was attended by collector Vipin Itankar, Executive Director of Godavari Irrigation Development Corporation K. B. Kulkarni, Chief Engineer Dilip Tawar, Superintending Engineer S. K. Sabbinwar, Superintendent Engineer Mahajan Uppalwad and others.

The Landi irrigation project is an ambitious project in Nanded district and as the project has received revised approval, it can be accelerated, said Minister Patil. As the main problem in this project is of rehabilitation, the government can speed up the process of voluntary rehabilitation of Mukramabad village by approving it immediately, he assured. The project will be completed in 2024 with a fund of Rs 400 crore per annum from the year 2022,he clarified.

Regarding water storage in Babhali dam, as per the Supreme Court’s directive, a meeting with the state of Telangana at the ministerial level will be held, he informed.

Guardian Minister Ashok Chavan made a presentation on various issues related to irrigation management in Marathwada and water management and irrigation projects in the district. This includes mention of a deficit of 781 TMC water which is mainly generated from the Upper Penganga project, reduced water carrying capacity of 15 km long canals and its urgent need for repair. The Guardian Minister pointed out the issue of water supply to Mahur city.(UNI)