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Delayed watershed programmes

Kashmir Times. Dated: 10/21/2013 2:08:01 PM

Govt's non-seriousness has already kept people bereft of benefits

Going by the pace of implementation of the watershed development programmes in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, it appears that the government is not serious in water harvesting schemes for the benefit of people. Only recently, some of the visitors from the centre have expressed their disappointment over the implementation of the watershed development schemes. The central team had taken a review of only few schemes which are under implementation in some parts of Kashmir valley. If this is the sad state of affairs at one point in south Kashmir, fate of other schemes in Jammu region can be very well imagined. In the case of Jammu region, most of the schemes have not even taken off because of the dilly dallying tactics of the state government. The necessary floating of tenders and inviting bids for construction of these schemes is yet to done by the state government. The delay on the part of the state government has already taken its toll so far as the welfare of the common masses is concerned. The Kandi areas have been continuously facing shortage of water for drinking and irrigation purposes and these schemes were exclusively meant for them. But the lack interest of those ruling the roost in the corridors of power is only contributing to delay in the implementation of the schemes. Unless these schemes are formulated and implemented with a view to uplift the habitants of Kandi areas, nothing can be expected to deliver to the future beneficiaries of these schemes. It is a sad state of affairs that some of the schemes under development projects initiated during the past three decades since the inception of this scheme have never taken off from the drawing board causing delay in their implementation. It will not be out of place to mention that n several occasions funds allocated for this purpose lapsed at the end of financial year without even being noticed by the concerned authorities. Ultimately, it is the common masses who have suffered for no fault of theirs besides delaying their economic empowerment in J&K.