Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil announced on Wednesday that water from Jayakwadi dam would be released in four equal rotations each from both the left and right canals for irrigation, with provisions for reserving drinking water.
He also stated that silt from Jayakwadi Dam would be lifted and the KT weir would be converted into a barrage.
Minister Vikhe-Patil was in the city for a meeting at the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation, where heavy bouncer security was deployed.
Responding to demands from elected representatives, he approved four irrigation rotations from the right canal, matching what is already provided from the left canal.
He also approved water in four summer rotations for the Nandur Madhmeshwar canal and four rotations from the Nimna Dudhna project. The Canal Advisory Committee meeting was held at Paithan and Santpeeth, attended by elected representatives and administrative officials.
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Resort Development Planned Near Dams
The minister told reporters that the regulatory board has approved tourism development at several dam sites, including Jayakwadi, Isapur, Nilwande, Bhandaradara, and Majalgaon. Two multinational firms, Ernst and Young (E and Y) and Grant Thornton (GT), are serving as consultants for the tourism policy. Water sports facilities and resorts will be developed at dam sites, with the aim of generating additional revenue for the board.
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20 billion cubic feet of silt in Jayakwadi
Policy on silt removal will be decided at a Cabinet meeting. Jayakwadi Dam holds approximately 20 billion cubic feet of silt, and agreements with private agencies will be made for its removal.
The Water Resources Department had never collected more than Rs 300 crore from irrigation and water charges until now; this year, collections have reached Rs 520 crore. Salary expenditure stands at Rs 450 crore while outstanding dues total Rs 1,800 crore, largely from government water supply schemes.
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Floating Solar Energy on the Horizon
“The Godavari Irrigation Board plans to shift all lift irrigation schemes across the State to solar power. A policy has been finalised to generate electricity through floating solar panels installed on various dams,” Vikhe clarified.