Resolve water disputes through cooperation: PM Modi to states

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked states to resolve interstate water disputes through cooperation timely clearances and technologybased monitoring and said the KenBetwa project should serve as a modelChairing the 51st PRAGATI meeting where seven critical infrastructure projects across railways power and road sectors covering nine states worth around Rs 30000 crore were reviewed on Wednesday evening he underlined that delay in implementation of public projects leads not only to cost escalation but also deprives citizens of timely access to essential facilities reported by PTIWhile reviewing the KenBetwa river interlinking project the prime minister said it should serve as a model for other states to resolve interstate water issues through cooperation timely clearances technologybased monitoring and missionmode execution an official statement saidPM Modi reviews infrastructure projects stresses water security measuresAccording to PTI the states were encouraged to identify similar opportunities where riverlinking water conservation groundwater recharge and efficient irrigation can be taken up in an integrated manner to ensure longterm water security the statement saidPRAGATI is an ICTenabled multimodal platform aimed at fostering proactive governance and timely implementation by seamlessly integrating efforts of the central and state governmentsThe seven critical infrastructure projects are pivotal to economic growth and public welfare and these were reviewed with a focus on timelines interagency coordination and timely issue resolution reported PTIBesides the Ken Betwa river link project Modi also reviewed the Swachh Bharat MissionUrban 20While reviewing power sector projects Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across urban areas especially in cities residential clusters and public institutions reported PTIPM Modi pushes rooftop solar Vadhavan Port and Swachh Bharat 20 goalsModi underlined that rooftop solar should be taken up in mission mode to reduce electricity costs improve energy security and promote clean energy at the household and community levelWhile reviewing road and port connectivity projects it was emphasised that the Vadhavan Port should be developed as a model of portled multimodal development where every major mode of transport is seamlessly integrated to create a futureready logistics ecosystemThe project should not be seen merely as a port but as a national gateway connected through coastal shipping inland waterways dedicated freight corridors highspeed rail connectivity highways and airport linkagesPrime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 20 saying it should go beyond infrastructure creation and focus on measurable outcomes through regular monitoring and public participation reported PTIHe asked the states to expedite the completion of solid waste managementrelated infrastructure including waste processing plants and GOBARdhan plantsPM Modi stresses faster execution solar panels over canalsAccording to PTI PM Modi observed that every delay has a direct impact on peoples lives regional growth and public resources and stressed that central ministries departments and states must adopt a more proactive and timebound approach to resolve pending issues remove bottlenecks and ensure faster executionThe prime minister also emphasised that innovative use of canal networks should be explored including installation of solar panels along canals and over canals for clean electricity generationThis would help optimise land use reduce evaporation losses generate renewable energy and create additional economic value from water infrastructureAt the beginning of the meeting Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan said that in pursuance of the directions of the prime minister a system of monthly review of social sector schemes at the state level has also been operationalised reported PTIThis mechanism aims to ensure regular monitoring faster resolution of implementation issues and greater accountability at the state and district levels As part of this initiative the Swachh Bharat Mission has been taken up for review at the state level in the first instanceInputs from PTI