New Delhi, 27 October (H.S.): Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil on Tuesday reviewed the progress of key projects, schemes and initiatives under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), directing officials to resolve implementation bottlenecks and ensure timely completion.

The review meeting was attended by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary and heads of departments and organisations under the ministry.

Representatives from the Flood Management Wing, Farakka Barrage Project, National Water Mission, Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM), Basin Management divisions, National Water Development Agency, Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority, Brahmaputra Board and National Institute of Hydrology, among others, presented updates on ongoing projects and activities.

The discussions covered progress under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP), replacement of barrage gates and anti-erosion works under the Farakka Barrage Project, and priority initiatives of the National Water Mission.

Officials also reviewed the implementation of 35 pilot clusters under M-CADWM and the status of the Ken-Betwa Link Project, including the link canal and Daudhan Dam. Progress in preparing master plans and detailed project reports by the Brahmaputra Board, four ongoing censuses under the Minor Irrigation Statistics programme, and major activities of the National Institute of Hydrology were also discussed.

Paatil directed officials to identify and resolve obstacles affecting project implementation. He called for stronger coordination with state governments and closer monitoring of decisions taken during the review to ensure projects were completed within stipulated timelines.

The minister also asked senior officials and heads of the concerned organisations to follow up on the decisions and focus on achieving the intended outcomes of the department's programmes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar