‘Remove encroachment from Assi, Varuna’

VARANASI: The PWD and irrigation minister Shivpal Singh Yadav asked the officials to ensure removal of encroachments from the Assi and Varuna rivers for their revival. He also asked them for mapping of banks of both the rivers.
The minister held a meeting with officials here on Thursday to review the development works. Giving emphasis on cleaning the Varuna river, he asked the officials to maintain water level in the river by releasing water from Gyanpur pump canal.
The minister also asked the officials of other departments to get prior permission from the PWD for digging roads, and start the works only after depositing prescribed amount for the purpose. The irrigation department engineers were asked to ensure timely cleaning of canals and releasing water. He asked the engineers of Setu Nigam to complete the bridge projects in time. The minister suggested for the storage of sewage in makeshift ponds for treating and reuse in irrigation.
The meeting was also attended by tourism minister Om Prakash Singh, principal secretary irrigation and water resources, IG, divisional commissioner, DIG, district magistrate, SSP and other departmental officials.