De-silting, cleaning of canals to be monitored by drones: Adityanath

Lucknow, Oct 17 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced that de-silting and cleaning of canals across the state this year will be monitored by drones.

Warning officials against any let up with regard to the work, Adityanath said stringent action will be taken against callous officials.

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of a Rs 40.66 crore pumping station in his hometown of Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister also asked the irrigation department to prepare an action plan for flood prevention and to complete the necessary construction works by May 15 next year.

He was a five-time MP from Gorakhpur.

To ensure that there is no loss of life or property, the Chief Minister said that existing embankments should be strengthened.

Adityanath pointed out that for many years people had been demanding a pumping station and informed how as an MP he had made efforts towards this from 2009, and within six months of becoming Chief Minister this project has been sanctioned.

Adityanath pointed out that after the construction of the pump a population of about 50,000, spread across 47 villages will be saved from floods and inundation. The farmers too would benefit from the harvest of Kharif and Rabi crop and locals would be protected from various diseases.

The Chief Minister said the state government was working expeditiously to ensure adequate irrigation facilities and reiterated the commitment of his government to ensure that water reached the the canals.