Make an action plan for the renovation of ponds and step wells: Minister Shri Patel

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said that result-oriented work should be done in Gram Panchayats. Renovate all the ponds and stepwells. For this, the Panchayat should prepare an action plan and work in a phased manner. Work should also be done to ensure that their survival rate remains high after plantation. Minister Shri Patel gave instructions in the review meeting of departmental work of Panchayat and Rural Development in Mantralaya on Monday.

Minister Shri Patel said that as of November 15, approval is being issued to start gravel roads, farm ponds and other new works in the district panchayats where the ratio of labour material is correct in MNREGA. The amount will be sanctioned from Rs 1 to Rs 3 crore. He said that the major routes of Jain monks should be marked and proper arrangements should be made for their stay on major routes. Appropriate plantations should be done on government land.

In the review, Minister Shri Patel said that the demand for roads in the “Sudur Sadak and Khet Sadak” Scheme in Gram Panchayats should be identified immediately so that decisions can be taken for approval. He directed that MNREGA convergence rate should also be fixed in the construction of boundary walls of schools under the School Education Department.

Minister Shri Patel said that the plantation being done under MNREGA should be protected with boundary wall. Saplings should be planted near water sources so that they remain safe. We all should strive for this. He gave instructions for intensive plantation on the banks of river Narmada. Minister Shri Patel said that cluster meetings of Gram Panchayats should be held regularly at the Janpad level. The action plan for village development should be decided in these meetings. He also gave instructions to conduct proper training of the engineers posted in the department.

Minister Shri Patel directed that along with the Vishram Ghat shed, a boundary wall should also be constructed and saplings should also be planted in the premises. He also gave instructions to send a letter to the Central government seeking permission for the construction of the boundary wall. He said that site selection for the construction of community sanitation complexes should be done properly and special attention should also be given to their maintenance. If necessary in the construction of a gravel road, funds should be sanctioned separately for the construction of a culvert.

Minister Shri Patel said that farmers are especially benefiting from the Khet-talab scheme, hence special emphasis should be given to the approval of Khet-talab. In such fields where there is difficulty in constructing a pond under this scheme due to the presence of gravel or soil, innovative experiments can be done like in the state of Maharashtra. For this, he instructed the officials to conduct a detailed study and prepare a feasibility report.

Emphasizing increasing the use of bamboo, Minister Shri Patel said that the boundary wall made of bamboo is naturally strong and beautiful. He stressed planting bamboo on the boundary wall of the plantation area. He also reviewed the work of constructing Panchayat and community buildings in Gram Panchayats where there are no Panchayat and community buildings. Instructions were given to consider the provisions in cases of compassionate appointment in the department. Instructions were also given to meet the officials of the Renewable Energy Department and prepare a clear action plan to promote the use of solar energy in the Panchayats. He said that the pending cases of the Assembly should be resolved within the time limit.

Departmental Principal Secretary Smt. Deepali Rastogi, Chief Executive Officer of Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority Shri Deepak Arya, Commissioner MNREGA Shri Avi Prasad and other departmental officers were present in the meeting.