With a view to check declining groundwater level in the State and to conserve water, Haryana Government has decided to provide subsidy to the tune of 85 per cent on installation of micro-irrigation systems.

Besides, a micro-irrigation project has been prepared for 36 blocks falling in the dark zone, said

Chief Minister Manohar lal, while interacting with mediapersons after inaugurating solar-power-run micro irrigation pilot project in village Gunthala Garhu at Kurukshetra.

The pilot project has been launched under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to ensure water supply to every farm.

Costing Rs 24.65 crore, this would be the first project of its kind in the country, which would draw energy from solar power and the grid, and would be connected to the nearest 11 KV line through hotline to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Additional power generated by solar power panels at the project would be supplied to the nearest power sub-station, which would be connected to 24-hour plant of 11 KV line.

This project would be implemented in all 36 blocks falling in the dark zone. However, in the first phase, 13 districts would be covered. These include Ambala, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Hisar, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Rewari, Mahendragarh, Sirsa, Sonepat, Panipat and Jind. Canal irrigated area measuring 1,972.49 hectare has been included in this project, and its discharge would be 15.86 cusecs.

The Chief Minister also felicitated farmers for their contribution towards the implementation of this project and gave away letters of appreciation. He also released booklet prepared by the Canal Area Development Authority (CADA) for farmers and planted saplings on the occasion.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, OP Dhankar and MlA, Assandh, Bakhshish Singh Virk were also present on the occasion.