Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Jan 14: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today visited Akhnoor Constituency and inspected a number of on-going development works. The works which were inspected by the Minister included, SDH, Akhnoor, Indoor Sports Complex, Dussehra Ground and two ponds at village Sungal-Lahad.
Chief Engineer, PHE, K.K. Gupta, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sushil Aima, Superintending Engineer (Hydraulic), Rajiv Malhotra and Sectoral Officers of various departments also accompanied the Minister.
Expressing satisfaction over the pace of progress of projects, the Minister directed the engineers to ensure quality of works strictly as per the specifications laid down. He said compromise on quality will not be tolerated at any cost, and if any work is found substandard, the concerned Executive Engineer will be taken to task. He also directed for speeding up the monitoring mechanism to ensure time bound completion of all on-going projects.
While inspecting the ponds, which are being upgraded under sustainability programme in the Kandi belt of Akhnoor, the Minister directed the engineers to maintain the original character of ponds so that they serve their purpose to the locals. He said the ponds in the Kandi belt are being developed to preserve the traditional water sources so that the water can be used by the rural people for various purposes. This effort will also help in recharging the water table, which is otherwise depleting due to increasing demand of water and environmental degradation.
Under the first phase, 5 big ponds will be upgraded in the Akhnoor block at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 to 7 lakh on each pond under sustainability programme. The programme is aimed to conserve traditional water sources as also to re-charge the existing ground water level, said the Minister.
Meanwhile, the Minister participated in the “Sandhya Aarti Programme” organized by the civil society of Akhnoor on the right bank of river Chenab at Jia Pota Ghat. Hundreds of local people participated in the Aarti.
It may be mentioned that the Sandhaya Aarti is being performed by the people at Jia Pota Ghat on the special occasions and festivals, on the pattern of Ganga river.
It is believed that Chenab River, which is also known as Chander Bhaga is as sacred as Ganga and people of different sects perform rituals and immerse the ashes of their dear ones who pass away in it. This practice is prevalent in Ganga Haridwar and Chander Bhaga. Moreover, devotees on different occasions also take a holy dip in this sacred river.
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