Lok Satta president Jaya Prakash Narayan on Tuesday said that the government should not take up large number of irrigation projects for political gains as it would put additional burden on the common man.
Talking to media persons at Assembly media point, he said that Rs one lakh crore would be needed for the construction of 28 lift irrigation projects and Rs 60,000 crore per annum for generation of power from these projects in the state. He said instead of spending whopping amount on construction of lift irrigation projects, he advised the government to find other alternatives to meet the irrigation and drinking water needs of people.
“The government should not put additional burden on the common man for the construction of irrigation projects and utilize other alternative methods like rain water harvesting to meet drinking water needs in problematic areas,” he stated.
Dr JP said that the government could utilize the money mobilized through taxes for the developmental works in the backward areas.