JOWAI: The State Water Resources Minister AL Hek, on Thursday inaugurated the Syrmi Flow Irrigation Project near Nongbah village under Thadlaskein C & RD Block.
The commencement of the canal work began in the year 2009-2010 and completed in the year 2010-2011, at the cost of Rs 78, 07,000.00, covering 60 hectares benefiting fifteen (15) families. Length of convergence system main is 1Km and branch is 1.3Km.
Inaugurating the project, Hek said the free flow of water into the fields would increase the development and livelihood of the villages and also encourage the farmers to practise double-cropping as there will no scarcity of water.
He also lauded the initiative taken by the Water Resources Department for the development of the villages.
S. Dhar, Parliamentary Secretary, PWD & Housing etc, Government of Meghalaya and also the Local MLA of Nongbah Constituency appealed to the farmers to have an understanding among themselves and to ensure sustainability of the project.
The Deputy Commissioner, Jaintia Hills, T. Dkhar said over 8o per cent of the population in Jaintia Hills were into cultivation and Nongbah village is one of the leading villages in the district in production of rice therefore this type of irrigation project will increase the cultivation and products and also improve the livelihood of the people. He encourage the villages to go for multi-cropping.
Others who spoke on the occasion include the local MDC, C. Biam,. R.M Garod, Daloi Nongbah Elaka,. L. Lamare and Chairman/Secretary of Water Users Association, Syrmi FIP.
Present for the function were B. Mawlong, Addition Deputy Commissioner, Jaintia Hills District, Jowai and officers from different departments of the District.
The welcomed address was delivered by. K.D Phawa, Superintendent Engineer (WR) Shillong Circle and vote of thanks was offered by Ms A.D Blah.