The Bengal Government has taken yet another step for irrigation in places which are naturally dry. Around 11,000 people will be inducted as Dhara Sevaks under the Ushar Mukti Scheme in six districts, mainly in convergence with the 100 Days’ Work Scheme.
These 11,000 people will be taking up irrigational work in the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum. These districts get little rainfall; hence unavailability of proper water resources hampers agricultural work.
It has been planned to make watersheds using the rivers Ajay, Damodar, Mayurakshi, Kansabati and Subarnarekha. Rainwater will also be harvested in these watersheds.
The State Government has planned to build around 105 micro-watersheds which will help in irrigating around 84,000 hectares.
Source: Bartaman