March 26, 2015
1.2 lakh ponds created in Bengal under ‘Jal Dharo Jal Bharo’ scheme
The initiative of Jal Dharo Jal Bharo (preserve and reserve water) was taken up under the initiative of West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee in 2011. The State Government will be constructing 50,000 ponds for micro irrigation purpose.
The work started under MGNREGA scheme, in which West Bengal is now number one nationally. In less than four years 1,20,000 ponds have been dug in the State.
The rain water harvesting project is now also providing livelihood through fisheries developed in these ponds.
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee on her Facebook post shared that the target for 2014-2015, of over 57,000 hectares of land under minor irrigation sector has been achieved. The target for 2015-2016 is 62,000 hectares.
“This will give significant boost to agricultural productivity in the State”, said West Bengal Chief Minister.
