CM gives nod to start work on North Koyal Water Reservoir Project

Ranchi, April 26: Chief Minister Raghubar Das today gave his approval to the state authorities to start work on North Koyal Water Reservoir Project (Mandal Dam) pending for the last 40 years. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state forest department.

The matter was discussed earlier with the NITI Aayog and in a meeting in the PMO. The Union government is providing funds for the project.

Das said a big area will be supplied water after completion of this project. This project will sort out water scarcity in Palamu. As much as 1007.29 hectare land of Palamu Tiger Reserve will be decomposed under this.

In order to minimize damage from the wild elephants, bamboo plantation should be increased. The CM asked the people living in surrounding areas to look after this.

He said that the compensation amount against damage of lives and property because of wild elephants will be increased. For sorting out water problems of the animals, a three month scheme has been approved. Check dams, small ponds and other water sources will be made in the forests.

MLA Tala Marandi, Additional CS Amit Khare, Forest Principal Secretary Sukhdeo Singh, Principal Secretary to the CM Sanjay Kumar, Mining Secretary Sunil Kumar Barnwal and other Board members were present on this occasion.

1007.29 hectare land of 7 villages- Kutuk, Bhajna, Khura, Khaira, Mandal, Meral and Sanaiya � will be decomposed in Mandal Dam project. It will help in irrigating land of Garhwa and Latehar. North Koyal Water Reservoir Project (Mandal Dam) was started in the 70s. In the project, a barrage was provisioned at 96 km down from Barwadih block.

By now, Rs 800 crore funds have been expensed in this scheme. Previously, the height of the gate was proposed 367.28 meters which would flood 6000 hectare forest land. Later the gate was brought down to 341 meters after its approval from state govt. It will affect 1007.29 hectare land.