Guwahati, 27 August (HS): Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika on Thursday set a target of spending at least ₹7,000 crore on irrigation projects over the next five years, nearly three times the ₹2,500 crore spent during the previous five-year period.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Irrigation Department at Janata Bhawan, Hazarika directed officials to prioritize large-scale projects and prepare 40 major schemes with a combined allocation of ₹200 crore. He warned that delays, fund non-utilisation and official negligence would not be tolerated.

The minister also directed engineers to design irrigation projects beyond district boundaries where necessary and explore funding under EAP, RIDF and SOPD. Tenders are expected to be invited early next year to ensure timely construction during the working season.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash