Monday, November 21 2005 13:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Irrigation Ministers of states and Union Territories would meet here on November 30 to discuss among other things expansion of areas under irrigation and making more land available for cultivation, the new Water Resources Minister Santosh Mohan Deb said here today (Nov 21, 2005).

To be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, the conference would focus on 'strengthening of and making land more available for irrigation and cultivation', Deb, who took over the additional charge as Minister of State replacing Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, told reporters.

Expansion of areas under irrigation and improvement of water use efficiencies are also on the agenda of the meeting, he said.

Deb said a major share of the funds allocated for the Bharat Nirman scheme would be given to irrigation as the objective was to make the country not only sufficient in foodgrain but also a major stakeholder in world trade.

On the anti-erosion front, measures were being undertaken in the Ganga Basin states with the Centre incurring 75 per cent of the expenditure involved.

Expressing happiness that due to sufficient rains the demands of the various states for Cauvery water has been met, he said the Cauvery Water Tribunal was expected to announce its award next year.

As for the contentious Baglihar project in Jammu and Kashmir, Deb said the final hearing by the World Bank appointed neutral expert with India and Pakistan was scheduled for February.

Asked about the water disputes between India and Bangladesh, he said both countries have agreed for joint inspection of river Icchamati for dredging work.

Inter-linking of river was also high on the priority of his Ministry, Deb said.

Deb, who is also Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises, termed his new responsibility as a 'temporary arrangement'.

"I may be around for one or two months. I will do whatever is possible within that time", he said.