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Uttarakhand CM Reviews River Protection & Forest Fire Readiness Ahead of Monsoon

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the progress of river protection and desilting works under irrigation projects, directing timely completion ahead of the monsoon. Officials reported significant water conservation infrastructure, including 708 check dams and 419 recharge shafts capable of recharging billions of litres of groundwater annually. The CM also emphasized advanced preparations for forest fire prevention, including equipment readiness and coordination with local communities. In a related development, the state government transferred district hospitals in Rudrapur and Pithoragarh to the medical education department to support newly established government medical colleges.

Key Points: Uttarakhand CM Reviews River Protection, Forest Fire Prep

  • River protection works reviewed
  • 708 check dams constructed statewide
  • Forest fire prevention directives issued
  • Medical colleges get hospital transfers
2 min read

Uttarakhand CM Dhami reviews progress of river protection works under irrigation projects

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reviews irrigation projects, flood preparedness, and forest fire prevention measures. Officials detail water conservation progress.

"ensure that all works are completed on time, keeping in view the possibility of floods - CM Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Dehradun, January 30

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday reviewed the progress of river protection works and desilting being carried out under irrigation projects at the Secretariat. He directed officials to ensure that all works are completed on time, keeping in view the possibility of floods during the monsoon season.

During the meeting, officials informed that under water conservation, augmentation and recharge schemes, the Minor Irrigation Department is constructing check dams, recharge shafts and ponds. So far, 708 check dams have been constructed across the state.

A total of 419 recharge shafts have been installed in Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Haridwar districts, which will enable the recharge of approximately 108.94 crore litres of groundwater annually. Officials further stated that water conservation works are being carried out for the treatment of 14 water sources in nine forest divisions through the Drinking Water Department and SARA. Under the CAMPA scheme, treatment work of 247 water streams is being undertaken in various forest divisions.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to make full preparations in advance for the prevention of forest fires. He said that, along with human resources, the availability of necessary equipment for forest fire prevention must be ensured.

The Chief Minister also emphasised maintaining regular coordination with Van Panchayats and people living around forest areas. He said that individuals doing commendable work in the field of forest conservation should be encouraged. He directed that fire lines be cleaned in a timely manner and encroachment on forest land be removed as a priority.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Yugal Kishore Pant, and the relevant departmental officials were present.

The Uttarakhand government had earlier issued orders to hand over the District Hospital Rudrapur and Women's Hospital Pithoragarh to the Department of Medical Education for the smooth functioning of Government Medical Colleges in Rudrapur and Pithoragarh. Secretary, Medical Health and Medical Education, Sachin Kurve, issued an official memorandum in this regard, stating that Jawaharlal Nehru District Hospital, Rudrapur has been transferred for the operation of Pandit Ramsumer Shukla Government Medical College, Rudrapur, while BD Pandey District Hospital and the Women's Hospital, Pithoragarh, have been transferred for the operation of Government Medical College, Pithoragarh to the Department of Medical Education.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Recharging 108 crore litres of groundwater annually is a massive achievement! Water scarcity is a real issue in many parts of India. More states should adopt such proactive water conservation schemes. The focus on forest fire prevention is also timely.
A
Aman W
Good to see the coordination with Van Panchayats being emphasized. The local communities are the first line of defense for our forests. Their knowledge and participation are key for any conservation effort to succeed.
S
Sarah B
While the initiatives sound promising on paper, the real test is in on-ground implementation and maintenance. I hope there is a transparent audit mechanism to ensure these check dams and recharge shafts are actually functional and not just numbers for a report.
V
Vikram M
The article starts with irrigation and ends with medical colleges? Seems a bit scattered. But the core environmental work is vital. Uttarakhand's ecology is fragile. Protecting rivers and forests is protecting the future of the state and the plains downstream.
K
Kriti O
Cleaning fire lines and removing encroachment should be top priority. Every summer we see forests burning. Hope the "necessary equipment" includes modern technology like drones for surveillance, not just traditional tools. Jai Uttarakhand! 💚

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