# Bihar CM directs officials to enhance irrigation efforts and water management for Farmers’ Benefit
On August 1, 2023, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar conducted a review meeting of the Water Resources and Minor Water Resources Department at ‘Sankalp’, located on 1 Anney Marg. During the meeting, he received updates on the ‘Kharif Irrigation-2023’ and provided necessary directives to officials.
In the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources and Small Water Resources Department, Shri Chaitanya Prasad, presented detailed information on the ongoing activities of the department.
The Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Shri Ishwar Chandra Thakur, provided information about the status of irrigation projects, including the Son Barrage, Gandak Barrage, Kosi Barrage, and other dams/barrages benefiting districts. He discussed progress towards the goal of providing irrigation water to every field and the current capacity of water storage in reservoirs.
Smt Ashima Jain, the Special Secretary of the Small Water Resources Department, shared updates on irrigation projects under the department, including the status of groundwater levels, government tube wells, and water storage in ponds, lakes, etc., as part of the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign.
During the review meeting, Water Resources Minister Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed his appreciation for the progress made in the ‘Kharif Irrigation-2023’ initiative. He emphasized the importance of effective water management and highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring a reliable irrigation system that reaches every farmer in the state. Minister Jha also assured full support from the department to achieve the ambitious goals of the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to improve irrigation facilities in more areas to ensure convenience for farmers. He urged quick action on necessary and useful irrigation works, especially in regions facing water scarcity. He also emphasized the importance of cleaning water canals and the swift implementation of plans to bring irrigation water to every field, benefiting farmers significantly.
The Chief Minister assured that the government continues to work for the welfare and convenience of the people. He highlighted the provision of diesel subsidies and sufficient electricity supply for irrigation works to aid farmers in paddy cultivation.
The meeting was attended by Water Resources Minister Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, Minor Water Resources Minister Shri Jayant Raj, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Deepak Kumar Chief Secretary Shri Amir Subhani, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Chaitanya Prasad of the Water Resources and Minor Water Resources Department, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr S Sidharth, Principal Secretary Shri Arvind Kumar Chaudhary of the Finance Department, Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Anupam Kumar, Special Officer of the Chief Minister, Shri Gopal Singh, and other esteemed officials and engineers.