Some forces are hampering distribution of canal water, says Hooda

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday claimed there are "some forces" which do not want equitable distribution of canal water leading to a shortage of irrigation water in parts of the state. The chief minister said that he would ensure due share of Bhakhra canal water to the people of the area, according to a release.

He said that the state had constructed Bhakhra Main Line Hansi-Butana Link Canal for equitable distribution of available water. Hooda said available water "was not equally shared, resulting in shortage of irrigation water in some parts of the state" and criticised the previous government for the situation.

"There were some forces which do not want the equitable distribution of water, as a result the matter is pending in the court," Hooda said. The chief minister also said the government is mulling increasing the old age pension, which has been raised to Rs 700 per month. "The Old Age Allowance, which was merely Rs 200 per month during the tenure of INLD, has been raised to Rs 700 per month. If given an opportunity, it will be further enhanced," Hooda said while addressing a public meeting at Bawani Khera, near Bhiwani on Saturday.

He was speaking after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of 27 developmental projects involving an investment of more than Rs 116.38 crore. Hooda also described the Food Security Bill as a "biggest scheme" for the welfare of the poor, which would ensure foodgrain to about 52 per cent rural and 51 per cent urban population at a very nominal rate.

The chief minister said that with a view to ensure food security to the poor, state government has also decided to provide 2.5 kg pulses per month at the subsidised rate of Rs 20 per kilogramme to about 12.84 lakh BPL families to meet their nutritional needs.

Hooda said his government has spent Rs 632.73 crore on various development programmes in Bawani Khera constituency during the last eight years. Similarly, Rs 4,429.84 crore had been incurred by the present government from 2005 till now on development schemes of Bhiwani district.