Nagpur, Oct 12: Expressing concern over brazen violation of his directives for equitable distribution of funds for irrigation sector by the state government, Maharashtra Governor Mohd Fazal has hinted the possibilities that his office would play an active role in the budget formation of the state. Fazal, who presided over the meeting of Vidarbha Statutory Development Board (VSDB), took a serious view of brazen violation of direcrtives and assured to rectify it, VSDB chairman Harshwardhan Deshmukh told newspersons here yesterday after the meeting.

Stating that the board presented a harsh reality of dismal irrigation scenario in Vidarbha region to the governor, Deshmukh said it was brought to his notice that the state government has released a mere Rs 148 crore or one per cent of Rs 1,152 crore expected to be released for irrigation sector in the region. The governor has asked board member Madhukar Kimmatkar to prepare, within eight days, a detailed report about the projects needed to remove irrigation backlog, Deshmukh said.

During the meeting, the board also pointed out that citing drought like situation a large chunk of fund was being diverted to western Maharashtra, there by depriving Vidarbha region its legitimate dues. The board has urged the governor to press for the release of Rs 191 crore from Central government for Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) in Vidarbha, Deshmukh added.

Bureau Report