Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil reviewed major projects and programmes under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR). The meeting assessed implementation progress across the Department and its associated organisations, with a focus on flood management, irrigation, river-linking initiatives and river basin planning.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary also attended the meeting, which brought together heads of departments and organisations under the Department.
C. R. Paatil Reviews Flood Management and Irrigation Initiatives
The review covered the Flood Management Wing, Farakka Barrage Project, National Water Mission, Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM), Basin Management-I and II, National Water Development Agency and Ken–Betwa Link Project Authority. Officials also reviewed Brahmaputra–Barak River Matters, the Brahmaputra Board, Minor Irrigation Statistics and the National Institute of Hydrology.
Discussions focused on projects under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP), the replacement of Farakka Barrage gates, anti-erosion measures and implementation challenges. The meeting also assessed priority initiatives under the National Water Mission and the implementation of 35 pilot clusters under M-CADWM.
Officials reviewed the Ken–Betwa Link Project, including work on the link canal and Daudhan Dam. The discussions also covered progress on Brahmaputra Board master plans and detailed project reports, four ongoing censuses under the Minor Irrigation Statistics programme, and major activities of the National Institute of Hydrology.
Minister Calls for Timely Project Execution
Emphasising the need for timely implementation, C. R. Paatil directed officials to identify and resolve project bottlenecks promptly. He called for effective follow-up on decisions taken during the meeting, closer monitoring of implementation and stronger coordination with State governments.
The Minister stressed the importance of accelerating progress and completing projects within stipulated timelines.
The review highlighted the Centre’s focus on improving implementation and monitoring across water resources management, flood mitigation, irrigation modernisation and river-linking initiatives. Resolving project-level challenges and strengthening coordination with States will remain important to advancing these programmes.
