(a) whether the Government has formulated a scheme at national level for cleaning and development of ponds in rural areas;
(b) if so, whether the said scheme has already been implemented in Punjab as a pilot project;
(c) if so, the details in this regard; and
(d) the time by which said scheme is likely to be implemented across the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a) to (d): No scheme for cleaning and development of ponds has been formulated at national level. However, as per Para 4 of Schedule-1, MGNREGA, “Renovation of traditional water bodies including desilting of irrigation tanks and other water bodies” are permitted and being carried out under MGNREGA, as per the local specific requirements.
As regards construction of new farm Ponds, a target of constructing 8,82,325 Farm Ponds under MGNREGA has been kept for the year 2016-17. Punjab Government has proposed to construct 1581 Farm Pond in the year 2016-17.
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