UP minister sets Dec deadline for irrigation projects

Lucknow: UP Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh on Tuesday directed officials to ensure that all ongoing projects of the irrigation and water resources department were mandatorily completed by Dec 2026, warning that any laxity, negligence, or indifference in work culture would not be tolerated. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the department's headquarters in Lucknow, the minister said strict action would be taken against concerned officers and executing agencies if any compromise on quality or timelines was found. He stressed the need for monthly monitoring of every project, timely removal of bottlenecks, and strict adherence to transparency and accountability.Expressing displeasure over the slow progress of some projects, Singh said the ultimate objective was to ensure that the benefits of irrigation and water resource schemes reached farmers and citizens on time. He also reviewed departmental expenditure and instructed officials to ensure timely, transparent, and result-oriented utilisation of the sanctioned budget. The minister directed that tubewells constructed before Independence should be preserved as "heritage tubewells". During the meeting, detailed reviews were conducted of key flood control, irrigation, and mechanical sector projects. Special emphasis was laid on the Vrindavan–Mathura river ghats expansion, renovation, and beautification project, with instructions to complete the work within the stipulated timeline while maintaining high quality standards. Keeping in view the state's goal of becoming a 1-trillion-dollar economy, Singh also reviewed 9 major projects scheduled for completion in the coming years. These included the Middle Ganga Canal Project (Phase II), Erich Multipurpose Dam Project, Badaun Irrigation Project, Bhaurat Dam Project, Kichha Barrage Project, Rampur Barrage Project, Rohin River Project, and construction works of Rohin Barrage-3 in Maharajganj district. He directed that all projects be completed in a time-bound manner with full transparency and quality control.Officials informed the minister that under the road pothole-free programme for 2025–26, 100% of the target of 905.70 km was achieved, while road renewal work was completed on 1,155.17 km against a target of 1,495.08 km. Singh instructed that the remaining works be completed at the earliest. Reviewing canal desilting under the Rabi 1433 fasli season, the minister expressed satisfaction that 54,094.798 km of desilting was completed against a target of 50,920.677 km (106.23%). He directed officials to maintain the same pace. In terms of tail-end water supply, water reached 9,945 tails against a target of 10,634 (93.52%), and officials were instructed to prioritise the remaining tails. The minister directed officials to organise regular ‘chaupals' at the tail ends of canals to establish direct communication with farmers. Expressing serious concern over pollution in rivers and canals, he instructed departments to coordinate closely and take effective remedial measures. He also called for regular reviews of the "health status" of canals and timely maintenance and repair works.