Jaipur: The long-pending dispute over the Panchna Dam in Rajasthan’s Karauli district has finally been resolved after nearly two decades. In a significant development on Monday, water was released into the canal network of the command area on a trial basis to test the distribution system. Simultaneously, the foundation stone was laid for a lift irrigation project that will benefit 39 villages surrounding the dam.
Three gates of the Panchna Dam were also opened to release water into the Gambhiri River.
Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Suresh Singh Rawat, accompanied by Minister of State for Home and Karauli District In-charge Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham, laid the foundation stones for two new lift irrigation projects and the remodeling of the PDN system under the Gudla Lift Project at the Panchna Dam.
The projects, estimated to cost approximately Rs 61 lakh, are expected to provide irrigation water to nearly 13,000 hectares of agricultural land while ensuring water supply to villages located in both the catchment and command areas of the dam.
A traditional prayer ceremony was held before the foundation stone-laying programme at the Devnarayan Temple complex in Pahadi village.
Addressing a public gathering, Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat said that the Bhajanlal Government is committed to fulfilling every promise it makes. He stated that no negligence in works related to the welfare of the people would be tolerated. The release of water from the Panchna Dam after nearly 20 years created an atmosphere of celebration and enthusiasm among local residents.
The programme was attended by a large number of villagers, along with Rural Development Department Secretary Krishna Kunal, Divisional Commissioner Nalini Kathotia, Inspector General of Police Kailash Bishnoi, District Collector Akshay Godara, Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sonwal, Karauli MLA Darshan Singh Gurjar, and Chief Engineer Bhuvan Bhaskar.
The Water Resources Department had been preparing for the water release following a consensus reached at the government level on June 30 to resolve the long-standing Panchna Dam water dispute.
Two days before the programme, District Collector Akshay Godara, Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sonwal, Executive Engineer Vivek Bansal, and other officials inspected the dam and reviewed the necessary arrangements for the successful implementation of the project.
(IANS)
