Government tells state to issue action plan to remove backlog

Mumbai: Irked by the inaction on the part of the water resource department in removing the backlog in the four districts of Vidarbha, the Mahara-shtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao has directed the state government to submit an action plan and targets of completion of projects within two months.

The Governor has the constitutional responsibility to monitor the development in the statutory board areas and give directions to the government to remove the backlog. Following Mr Rao’s directive, the government has made a provision of Rs 16,217 crore for the Vidarbha Development Board, Rs 11,458 crore for the Marathwada Develop-ment Board and Rs 30,687 crore for the Rest of Maharashatra Develo-pment Board in the budget. 

According to the assessment of the indicator and backlog committee, the backlog exists in the districts of Amravati, Akola, Washim and Buldhana. 

The physical backlog at the end of the June 2017 was 1,87,733 hectares. According to the revised five year action plan, it was targeted to remove backlog of 76,357 hectares, but the water resources department could liquidate only 66,99 hectare area. 

Hence, the state has been directed to issue a fresh action plan to remove the backlog, which will indicate all periodic targets within two months.